When a Loyal Customer Didn’t Show Up, This Chef Followed His Heart and Saved Him

For almost a decade, loyal Pensacola, FL, Shrimp Basket customer Charlie Hicks showed up twice a day for his usual bowl of gumbo with light rice. When the 78-year-old didn’t show up for a couple of days, the chef, Donell Stallworth, knew something was wrong. So he went looking to help the older man.

“Mr. Hicks don’t miss no day. When we open the doors up, he’s there to greet us,” Donell said.

Chef Helps Older Man When He Doesn’t Show Up at Restaurant

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Donell left in the middle of his shift and drove to Charlie’s apartment, where he found him on the floor. Right when he was about to turn away after pounding on the door, he heard a voice hoarsely calling for help.

“He was lying on the ground ,and I didn’t know what his conditions was. That was the scariest part right there,” Donell said.

Charlie was severely dehydrated and had two broken ribs. Donell got him some help and checked on him at the hospital.

Restaurant Staff Go Above and Beyond to Become Part of Man’s Life

Donell and the Shrimp Basket staff also brought him his favorite gumbo while he recovered. But then they went above and beyond. The staff found him an apartment right next door to the restaurant so they could check on him regularly. They also installed new appliances and furniture and made a few repairs.

He was finally able to walk back into his favorite restaurant three months after the fall.

“We made a connection,” Charlie said.

A Transformation from Customer to Family

“He’s that uncle. He’s that grandfather. He’s that best friend. He’s all in one,” Donell said. 

Having him next door is “the best thing going,” Donell said. “...I’ll be over more often than you like,” he joked. 

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It just goes to show that you can find family anywhere. Charlie is fortunate that he has Donell and the Shrimp Basket staff there for him for life!

“Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” Hebrews 13:2

WATCH: When a Loyal Customer Didn’t Show Up, This Chef Followed His Heart and Saved Him

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h/t: Sunny Skyz

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.