A chef in Florida has reportedly saved the life of a loyal customer who missed his daily visits to the restaurant where he dined every day for the past decade.
Charlie Hicks, who is 78, has ordered the same shrimp basket gumbo—specifically, light rice and no crackers—for both lunch and dinner, according to staff at the Pensacola eatery.
“When you walk in, Mr. Hicks is always there to greet you,” said Donnell Stallworth, the 45-year-old chef.
However, in September, Hicks didn’t show up for a few days, which raised alarms among the restaurant’s regulars. Stallworth sensed something might be off.
When staff first contacted Hicks at home, he mentioned feeling unwell. So, they dropped off his usual gumbo at his apartment. Hicks opted to leave it outside his door to avoid spreading any illness to others.
But by the third day, he didn’t answer his phone at all.
Fearing the worst, Stallworth left work early and headed straight to Hicks’ place.
After knocking repeatedly, he finally heard a faint plea for help. Upon entering, he found Hicks lying on the floor and was uncertain about his condition. He later described that moment as particularly frightening.
Hicks had fallen and suffered two broken ribs, along with severe dehydration.
While he was hospitalized and recovering, the Shrimp Basket staff made sure to lift his spirits by delivering his favorite meals every day.
Once he was out of the hospital, they assisted him in moving to a new apartment right next to the restaurant, allowing them to keep a close watch on him.
Hicks’ niece, Christina Nieper, shared that Hicks feels Stallworth saved his life, emphasizing the bond that developed between them. “Donnell has been texting him and visiting him. They seem to have become best friends,” she said.
“We made connections. We really did,” Hicks said in an interview.
By December, Hicks was back at Shrimp Basket, chatting with Stallworth at his usual spot.
Stallworth shared that their conversations often begin with topics like “The Andy Griffith Show” and then meander from there.
When Hicks walked into the restaurant for the first time after his hospital stay, Stallworth welcomed him back with a heartfelt, “I’m glad to see you, buddy.”
Stallworth expressed that having Hicks nearby is wonderful, saying, “He’s like an uncle, a grandfather, and a best friend all rolled into one.”
