A Pensacola chef grew concerned when a 78-year-old regular missed his twice-daily meals and went to check on him. He found the man on the apartment floor, dehydrated and with two broken ribs; the man was hospitalized and treated. Afterward, restaurant staff helped him move into an apartment next door so he could easily continue receiving meals and stay connected to his caretakers.
Chef’s Quick Check-In Saves 78-Year-Old Regular After He Missed His Meals in Pensacola
Gregg Pachkowski/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFrom Left: Shrimp Basket manager Donell Stallworth and Charlie Hicks at his temporary home in Warrington on Nov. 21, 2025
When a longtime customer stopped showing up for his twice-daily meals, a Pensacola chef’s concern turned into a life-saving rescue.
For about 10 years, 78-year-old Charlie Hicks had been a fixture at the Shrimp Basket, driving from his apartment to order gumbo and rice—always the same meal, twice a day. Staff say he rarely missed a visit, so when he didn’t appear for two days in September, the restaurant’s team grew worried.
Tony Giberson/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFrom Left: Shrimp Basket employees Donell Stallworth and Denise Galloway
Staff Deliver Meals, Then Take Action
After a staff call revealed Hicks was feeling unwell, team leader Denise Galloway left his gumbo at his apartment door at his request so she wouldn’t risk an infection. When there was still no response after two days, chef Donell Stallworth decided to check on him in person.
"Mr. Hicks don't miss no days," Stallworth told reporters. During his visit, Stallworth heard a faint cry for help. He opened the door and found Hicks on the floor. Unable at first to assess the full extent of his injuries, Stallworth called for emergency assistance.
Google MapsShrimp Basket Restaurant in Pensacola, Fla.
Medical Care And A New Home
Medical evaluation revealed Hicks had two broken ribs and was dehydrated. He was taken to the hospital and treated. After his discharge, Shrimp Basket staff made sure he would continue receiving daily meals: they located and vetted a nearby apartment, then helped him move into a unit next to the restaurant so he could easily access his meals and stay socially connected.
"I'm glad to have you back, buddy," Stallworth said when Hicks returned to the restaurant. Hicks echoed the bond he’s formed with the staff: "We made a connection." Stallworth described Hicks as "that uncle," "that grandfather" and "that best friend," and said having him living next door "is the best thing going."
Company Statement
In a statement to PEOPLE, Shrimp Basket emphasized a core value: "People matter," and praised Stallworth and the team for going beyond their roles to care for a longtime guest. The company added that the story inspired similar efforts across other locations, with employees looking out for vulnerable regulars in their communities.
Staff members say the incident highlights the difference attentive service can make for isolated or vulnerable customers—and how a simple daily routine can become a lifeline.
