CHAMPS STEAKHOUSE AND BAR
100 N SYKES CREEK PKWY, Merritt Island FL 32953 · 321.468.6594
Last inspected Mar 5, 2026 · 8 visits since December 2024
APR 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
JAN 26
MAR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 29 points better than where it started.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator paid during inspection
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $120
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2026025802 | Mar 5, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | $120 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 5, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Dead bugs in liquor bottles
Dead bugs on premises. Dead bugs in liquor bottles
Stored food not covered. Dead bugs in liquor bottles. Pour spouts not designed for exterior use
Jan 22, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored above cooked ribs in reach-in cooler. Operator moved
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In 1/6 pan on unused flattop cooked onions (72F - Hot Holding) On shelf over cook line melted butter (131F - Hot Holding)
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Equipment in poor repair. Walk-in freezer gasket
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Walk-in freezer door frame
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Operator moved
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Prepped potatoes put back into cardboard shipping boxes
Stored food not covered. Multiple foods in walk-in cooler. Operator covered
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed produce stored above prepped lettuce in walk-in cooler. Operator moved
Dec 12, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 3, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Filters for coffee and tea makers has no date of last service
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook put on hair restraint
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gaskets
Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Rusted salt and pepper shaker lids
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bar mats under glasses is soiled. Operator cleaned
Jul 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0ppm at interior bar. Replaced source container. 25ppm at 130°F
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On shelf over cook line butter (119F - Hot Holding)
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled identifying liquid contents.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook put on covering
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Tiki bar
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer by fryers
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoop in standing water at 78°F. Operator discarded
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Tomatoes. Stopped prep worker and made wash before beginning cutting again
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. On bar top in reach of customers
Apr 4, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 3, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator paid during inspection
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 0ppm. Operator remade 300ppm
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In lower holding area of reach in cooler on cook line wings (50F - Cold Holding); garlic in oil (46F - Cold Holding); spinach dip (47F - Cold Holding).
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In lower holding area of reach in cooler on cook line wings (50F - Cold Holding); garlic in oil (46F - Cold Holding); spinach dip (47F - Cold Holding). SEE STOP SALE
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Pickle bucket on well blocking access to hand wash sink
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Operator not keeping certifications. Not all employees have wallet size versions available
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine has an accumulation of mold like substance surrounding dispenser chute
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Clean linens stored in improper location. Stored on the floor in tech room. Operator moved
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee drink on plate storage rack at end of cook line
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Along door frame of walk in freezer
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator moved
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Togo contained at exterior bar. Operator inverted. Coffee filters not stored in protected manner.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Unwrapped straws in reach of customers at each bar. Operator moved
Dec 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.