Shock in Myrtle Beach: Seafood Restaurant Facing Lawsuit Over Choking Incident

Shock in Myrtle Beach: Seafood Restaurant Facing Lawsuit Over Choking Incident

Oh, Myrtle Beach, what a surprising turn of events we’re hearing about from our local shores! It seems that an upscale seafood restaurant, Hook & Barrel, which has gained some fame from its appearance on The Cooking Channel’s “Chef Swap at the Beach,” is now in hot water due to some extraordinary allegations made last year.

So, here’s the scoop: Tiffany and Kevin Buddington went out for what they hoped would be a delightful dinner at Hook & Barrel on September 21, 2023. Tiffany decided to try a classic dish, the she crab soup. But things took a serious turn when Tiffany felt a sharp pain in her throat while enjoying her meal. That’s when her husband, Kevin, jumped into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver that we all know can be a lifesaver!

The Shocking Discovery

What happened next is something no one anticipates during dinner. Tiffany managed to spit out a metal bobby pin, and as if that wasn’t alarming enough, an X-ray later confirmed that a second bobby pin was lodged in her stomach! Can you believe that? It must have been a terrifying experience for them both.

Fast forward to now, and the Buddingtons have filed a lawsuit against both Hook & Barrel and its co-defendant, Heidi’s Corner Restaurant Group, citing negligence and product liability. The complaint highlights how Tiffany’s dinner turned into a drama that no one could have seen coming.

Restaurant’s Response

In response to the lawsuit, the owners of Hook & Barrel aren’t taking the allegations lying down. They’ve filed their own statement in Horry County Common Pleas Court, where they admit only that the Buddingtons were indeed dining at Hook & Barrel on that infamous evening. However, they’ve also made it clear that they deny any further claims, asserting that they require “strict proof” of the remaining allegations. It sounds like they’re prepared to defend their reputation fiercely!

What’s Next?

As this case continues to unfold, it has sparked quite a bit of conversation among locals and visitors alike. The thought of finding something unexpected in your meal is enough to make anyone hesitate before diving into their favorite dishes! Naturally, many people are keeping their fingers crossed for a swift and fair resolution to this incident.

It’s important to remember that restaurants, especially those famous for their seafood, work hard to maintain cleanliness and quality standards. Still, this incident definitely serves as a reminder that sometimes, things can happen that are completely out of anyone’s control. Safety in dining is paramount, and everyone deserves to enjoy a meal without fear of unexpected hazards!

As the Myrtle Beach community, we should keep our ears open as this story develops. Whether you’re a fan of Hook & Barrel or just love good seafood, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about what’s happening in our local dining scene. Let’s hope for the best for both the Buddingtons and the restaurant staff, as they navigate through this unexpected challenge.