For 10 years Charlie Hicks ate lunch and dinner at the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola every day—gumbo, light rice, no cracker—twice a day like clockwork. When he suddenly stopped showing up one September, chef Donell Stallworth grew worried.
Donell left his shift, drove to Charlie’s apartment and knocked. No one answered. As he was about to leave he heard a faint call for help. He opened the door and found Charlie on the floor, severely dehydrated and with two broken ribs; Donell didn’t know how long he’d been there.
Donell called for help and stayed with him while the staff brought Charlie’s gumbo to the hospital. Concerned about his safety and living situation, the restaurant team did more: they found him a new apartment next to the Shrimp Basket, furnished and repaired it so employees could keep an eye on him, and helped with appliances and other essentials.
Three months after the fall, Charlie returned to his usual table and favorite dish, greeted by the staff who had become like family. Donell said they’d formed a deep bond—’he’s that uncle, that grandfather, that best friend.’ When they welcomed him back Charlie teased, ‘You’re late.’ The daily routine resumed, now with neighbors and co-workers who had rescued him and made sure he wouldn’t be alone. The story was reported by Steve Hartman on ‘On the Road.’