Decade of Devotion: A Chef’s Quest for a Missing Regular

Key Takeaways:

• Charlie Hicks, a 78-year-old man, had been a regular customer at the Shrimp Basket restaurant in Pensacola, Florida, for 10 years, ordering the same meal twice a day.
• When Hicks suddenly stopped showing up, the restaurant staff became concerned and discovered him severely dehydrated and injured in his apartment.
• The staff at the Shrimp Basket went above and beyond to help Hicks, bringing him food, finding him a new apartment, and even furnishing it.
• Thanks to the staff’s efforts, Hicks was able to recover and return to his routine, with a newfound sense of connection and community.
• The story highlights the importance of human connection and the impact that kindness and compassion can have on people’s lives.

Introduction to Charlie Hicks’ Routine
Charlie Hicks, a 78-year-old man, had been a constant presence at the Shrimp Basket restaurant in Pensacola, Florida, for 10 years. Every day, without fail, he would order a cup of gumbo, light on the rice, and ask to hold the cracker, for both lunch and dinner. The staff at the restaurant had grown accustomed to his routine and would often joke that you could set your clock by his arrival. Chef Donell Stallworth, in particular, had developed a close relationship with Hicks, who would always greet him with a smile and a kind word.

A Sudden Disappearance
However, in September, Hicks suddenly stopped showing up at the restaurant, and the staff became concerned. Stallworth, in particular, was worried, as he knew that Hicks was a creature of habit and would never miss a meal without a good reason. After several days of not seeing Hicks, Stallworth decided to take matters into his own hands and drove to Hicks’ apartment to check on him. When he arrived, he knocked on the door repeatedly but got no answer. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a faint voice calling out for help. Stallworth opened the door to find Hicks lying on the ground, severely dehydrated and with two broken ribs.

A Lifesaving Intervention
Thanks to Stallworth’s quick thinking and intervention, Hicks was able to receive the medical attention he needed and began his road to recovery. The staff at the Shrimp Basket were relieved that Hicks was going to be okay and decided to go above and beyond to help him. They started by bringing his favorite gumbo to the hospital, where he was being treated. They then helped him find a new apartment, right next to the restaurant, so that they could keep a watchful eye on him. The staff even went so far as to furnish his new apartment with new appliances and fix it up to make it comfortable for him.

A New Beginning
Three months after his accident, Hicks was finally able to return to his routine, and the staff at the Shrimp Basket were overjoyed to see him walk back through the door. They welcomed him back with open arms, and Hicks was grateful to be back in his favorite spot, ordering his usual meal. The experience had brought the staff and Hicks even closer together, and they had formed a bond that went beyond a typical customer-restaurant relationship. As Stallworth put it, Hicks was like a member of the family, and they were happy to have him back. Hicks himself said that he had formed a connection with the staff, and it was clear that he felt a sense of belonging and community at the Shrimp Basket.

A Lasting Impact
The story of Charlie Hicks and the Shrimp Basket staff is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of human connection and the impact that kindness and compassion can have on people’s lives. In a world where people are often isolated and alone, it is refreshing to see a community come together to support one of its own. The staff at the Shrimp Basket went above and beyond to help Hicks, and their efforts have had a lasting impact on his life. As Hicks settles back into his routine, it is clear that he will never be alone again, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the people at the Shrimp Basket. The story is a testament to the power of community and the difference that one person can make in someone’s life.