Charlie Hicks ate lunch and dinner at the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola, Florida, every day for 10 years — gumbo, light rice, no cracker — twice a day, like clockwork. When he suddenly stopped showing up one September, chef Donell Stallworth knew something was wrong.
Fearing the worst, Donell left his shift, drove to Charlie’s apartment and knocked. There was no answer. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a weak voice calling for help. He opened the door and found Charlie lying on the floor. Charlie was severely dehydrated and had two broken ribs; Donell didn’t know how long he’d been there.
Donell called for help and stayed with him. The Shrimp Basket staff brought Charlie’s gumbo to the hospital and, worried about his living situation, went further: they found him a new apartment next door to the restaurant, furnished and fixed up so employees could keep an eye on him. They helped with appliances and other needs.
Three months after the accident, Charlie returned to his favorite table and his favorite dish, greeted by the staff who had become family. “We made a connection,” Donell said. “He’s that uncle. He’s that grandfather. He’s that best friend.” Charlie joked, “You’re late,” when the staff welcomed him back — and the routine continued, this time with neighbors who had rescued him and ensured he wouldn’t be alone. Steve Hartman reported the story “On the Road.”