Where Family Recipes Fill Buckets—and Hearts.
Originating from a light-hearted comment about leftover spaghetti in his Arizona home, Bret daCosta, a single father, joked with his son Sam, “if we could just sell our leftover spaghetti, we could make buckets of money.” Little did he know this playful idea would sow the seeds for a groundbreaking culinary venture.
daCosta launched By The Bucket® in 2018 in Payson, Arizona, with no restaurant experience—just a bold idea: spaghetti in buckets. The simple, low-cost, high-value concept quickly gained traction. For daCosta, it symbolized family and his American dream. His son Sam, 11 at the time, grew with the business and became essential by 16. Though the brand was sold, they still run the original store. Now, By The Bucket® is poised for national growth as a symbol of grit and innovation.
A New Chapter in Bret’s Vision
In 2022, Bret’s vision reached new heights. He sold the franchise operations of By The Bucket® to a group of food professionals with a passion for his concept and recipes. They have embraced daCosta’s vision and added a few wrinkles to build on his ideas.
Comfort Served, Community Inspired
Our passion for authentic Italian comfort food is matched by our love for the Cottonwood community. Every guest is welcomed like family, and every bucket served is a tribute to tradition and togetherness. From spaghetti made fresh to toasted subs and classic garlic bread, we offer more than just a meal—we create moments where neighbors connect and memories are made. Here, every bite tells a story of warmth, flavor, and family roots.