Pensacola, Florida – A beloved regular at a local restaurant was saved after a chef, concerned by his absence, checked on him at home. Charlie Hicks, a 78-year-old retired accountant and Air Force veteran, was found severely dehydrated and injured in his apartment on September 11, after missing his usual daily lunch at Shrimp Basket for several days.

For nearly 10 years, Hicks had been a fixture at Shrimp Basket, arriving daily for one bowl of gumbo and to watch baseball. This routine led to a close bond with the staff, particularly Chef Donell Stallworth, who often chatted with Hicks about baseball and other topics during quieter moments.

In early September, Hicks did not arrive for lunch. Denise Galloway, the restaurant manager, called him and learned he was unwell. She brought gumbo to his home, but Hicks, cautious about spreading illness, asked her to leave it outside his door.

However, after a few more days passed without Hicks appearing, Galloway's concern grew. She called him again, but received no answer. She then informed Stallworth of the situation.

"Hearing the story, I grabbed my car keys and left immediately," Stallworth recalled, describing his urgent decision to check on Hicks that day, September 11.

Hicks next to the cake the restaurant gave him for his 78th birthday in May. Photo: WP

Hicks next to the cake the restaurant gave him for his 78th birthday in May. Photo: WP

Upon arriving at Hicks' apartment, Stallworth knocked twice without a response. As he prepared to leave, a faint cry for help reached him. The door was unlocked, and inside, Stallworth found Hicks lying on the floor. He had suffered a fall, resulting in two broken ribs and severe dehydration.

"He didn't even know the time or date, couldn't speak because of dehydration," Stallworth explained. He immediately called 911 and tried to give Hicks water while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Hicks spent two months in the hospital, followed by rehabilitation. Throughout his recovery, friends from Shrimp Basket regularly visited him, bringing his favorite gumbo. The staff affectionately refer to Hicks as the restaurant's "adopted grandfather." Their support extended further when they helped him secure another apartment near the restaurant after learning his previous landlord planned a rent increase, even assisting with repairs and cleaning before his discharge.

Chef Donell Stallworth next to Hicks at the hospital. Photo: WP

Chef Donell Stallworth next to Hicks at the hospital. Photo: WP

Reflecting on the experience, Hicks told local media on 16/12, "I don't know what would have happened if Stallworth hadn't shown up." He shared that he had been "lonely" his entire life, having never married or had children. Now, the Shrimp Basket staff consider him part of their "family."

After his discharge and move to the new apartment, the staff continued to bring him gumbo, believing he still needed time to recover. "They said they were putting it on my tab, but I haven't seen a bill yet," he quipped.

Earlier this week, Jeff Brooks, owner of Shrimp Basket, announced that Hicks would receive free gumbo for life. The restaurant chain also offered free gumbo with any order on monday, as a tribute to Hicks and to encourage community spirit.

Hicks expressed his profound gratitude and surprise at the outpouring of care. "I didn't find a cure for cancer. I just fell in my apartment," he humbly remarked.

The restaurant staff hope their story will inspire greater mutual care within communities. "For us, everyone is important. Every person who walks through that door, we treat them like we treat Hicks," a manager stated.

Duc Trung (According to Washington Post, AP)