Pensacola, Florida — At the Shrimp Basket restaurant in Pensacola, Florida, one customer has been a constant presence.
For lunch, he always orders a cup of gumbo, light on the rice, and asks to hold the cracker.
Charlie Hicks, 78, has had the same standing order, every day, twice a day, for 10 years.
Shrimp Basket chef Donell Stallworth says you could set your clock by Hicks.
Hicks was omnipresent at the Shrimp Basket until September, when he suddenly didn't show up for several days.
Fearing the worst, Stallworth left work in the middle of his shift and drove to Hicks' apartment.
"I'm glad to have you back buddy," Stallworth told him when Hicks entered the Shrimp Basket for the first time in months. »