**Twins Raymel and Raelyn Thrive at LeBron James’ Buckets Restaurant**
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In Akron, Ohio, twins Raymel and Raelyn, both aged 16, are starting their first professional journey at Buckets, a restaurant founded by NBA star LeBron James. This establishment, an initiative of the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), not only serves delicious meals but also aims to support the community by providing job opportunities for families involved in the Foundation’s I Promise Program.
Buckets reflects James’ commitment to enriching the community and creating a sense of belonging. According to James, “Everything about Buckets is so intentional and meaningful.” He emphasises the establishment as a space for the local community to come together over exceptional food. “More importantly, we wanted to create jobs and provide training opportunities for the kids and families in our programme that want to be a part of something special,” he adds.
Both siblings have embraced their roles at the restaurant, where they report a familial atmosphere among staff members. Raymel, stationed in the front of house as a server, describes his experience as “really fun and reassuring” since he gets to work alongside his twin sister, Raelyn, who is engaged in culinary duties behind the scenes. For Raelyn, the work environment feels genuinely supportive, something she credits to the tight-knit bonding within the team.
The two have deep ties to the Foundation, with Raymel being part of the first class of third graders at the I Promise School when it opened in 2018. Raelyn was encouraged to apply for her kitchen role by culinary director Aaron Blank, who recognised her passion stemming from her high school culinary studies. Raelyn notes the playful teasing she and Raymel experience at work, which contributes to the joyful workplace dynamics.
Their mother, Janette, also plays a significant role in the Foundation as the operations manager at House Three Thirty, the community centre housing Buckets. This close-knit family environment resonates with LeBron James, who expresses pride in the opportunity for both twins to work at Buckets under their mother’s supervision. “I’m so proud to see people like Raelyn and Raymel work their first full-time jobs at our restaurant,” he shares.
Raelyn reflects on the Foundation’s slogan, “we are family,” noting that it truly defines her experience at Buckets. She is impressed with how everyone genuinely inquires about each other’s well-being during difficult times. “It helps a lot. People want to be more interactive with us and are happy to actually come to work,” she asserts. Raymel echoes these sentiments, stating that their welcoming atmosphere plays a vital role in enhancing customer experiences.
While working together, the twins have cultivated essential skills vital for their future careers. Raelyn has honed her communication skills by managing kitchen operations, while Raymel excels in multitasking as he attends to various duties front of house. He acknowledges the valuable lessons learned from Vaughn Myers, House Three Thirty’s director of events, especially regarding attention to detail, which he believes is crucial in creating a positive dining experience.
Beyond immediate job skills, both siblings are acquiring life lessons. Raelyn mentions having learned about financial literacy from Myers, an invaluable tool she believes should be emphasised at a young age. She admires the community impact of the I Promise Programme, which serves families facing significant challenges, including homelessness.
When it comes to menu highlights at Buckets, both twins have their personal favourites, showcasing the unique offerings. Raelyn loves “The Kid From Akron’s Cookie,” a delectable dessert featuring chocolate chip cookies adorned with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle—a recipe created by James’ chef. In contrast, Raymel opts for the hot honey wings, declaring them another culinary triumph.
The influence of LeBron James extends beyond the kitchen in their lives. Raelyn expresses gratitude for his dedication to philanthropy and community improvement, noting, “We rep LeBron so hard because I feel like he’s the only basketball player that really cared about where he came from.” This sentiment underscores both siblings’ aspirations to contribute to their community in meaningful ways.
As they embark on their individual career paths, Raymel and Raelyn have set their sights on ambitious goals. Raymel aspires to become an independent business owner, while Raelyn is contemplating a career in psychology or dental hygiene. “I just really love helping people out, and I want to do that in a medical way or an emotional way,” she states.
Buckets represents more than a simple restaurant to these twins; it embodies a supportive environment that fosters growth, community bonds, and life skills. LeBron James envisions the restaurant as a platform for local youth and families to gain valuable experiences while contributing to the local economy. “I hope their experience at House Three Thirty and working at Buckets gives them the skills and the support system to be successful in anything they want to do in life.”
As Raymel and Raelyn navigate their new roles, it is evident that Buckets is not just a workplace but a family-oriented environment that nurtures personal and professional growth for its young employees.