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.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
