Local Hero: Bon Appetit Chef Reacts Quickly To Save Woman's Life

DUNEDIN, FL — The city of Dunedin recognized Bon Appétit restaurant chef Klaus Riedl with an award for saving a woman’s life.

“We have a little story that we wanted to tell you," said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski. "We have the chef here at Bon Appétit. He has been doing dual duties and has been saving lives in Dunedin, literally. He saved a woman who was in a car from going to the brink here at the marina, and we’re here to honor him.”

A patron of Bon Appétit at 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, experienced a seizure in the restaurant’s parking lot. Her car was in motion, making for a very dangerous situation for both the driver and others nearby.

Bon Appétit’s maintenance manager, Phil Gage, noticed something wrong and ran for help. Riedl immediately jumped into action by breaking the window of the car, turning it off and monitoring the driver until paramedics arrived on the scene.

"Without a doubt, Chef Klaus’ ability to act without hesitation prevented a tragedy from occurring," Bujalski said.

Bujalski and Dunedin Fire Marshal Michael Handoga presented the award to Riedl with the words, “In honor of your courage and lifesaving heroism.”

“You know this is what Dunedin is all about," Bujakski said. "It’s community. It's giving back. And it is taking care of our neighbors. And Klaus is the epitome of that today, and we thank you so much.”

Attending the recognition ceremony to honor him was Riedl’s employees, his family, team members from Bon Appétit Restaurant and the owners of Bon Appétit Group, Peter Kreuziger and Karl Riedl.