FIRST CHOICE BUFFET
4585 E HWY 20 STE 150, Niceville FL 32578 · 850-279-4900
Last inspected Apr 15, 2026 · 13 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
JUL 24
FEB 25
JAN 26
APR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach observed in basin of ware wash hand wash sink. Roach killed and removed during the inspection. Sink cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6--2023042512 | Jul 11, 2023 | Aug 16, 2023 | $400 |
| 6--2015026747 | May 22, 2015 | Jul 2, 2015 | $200 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Apr 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Food stored on floor. Observed two containers of cooking oil stored on floor in kitchen. Operator placed off of floor during inspection.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Jan 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food stored on floor. Chicken In walk in freezer
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Stored food not covered. Wantons in WIF
Feb 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. Heavy Ice build up observed at time of the inspection.
Stored food not covered. Walk in freezer Egg rolls and wantons stored uncovered.
Jul 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored next to to raw broccoli in walk in cooler #1. Chinese food storage hand out provided to operator.
Hot water faucet handle at dishwasher hand wash sink in disrepair.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Cleaver stored between make bar and preparation table on cook line. Cleaver removed and cleaned during the inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Exterior of hot buffet rice steamer. Steamer exterior cleaned during the inspection.
Jul 18, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 17, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Selfie service fried wontons and diced scallions located on Buffet line uncovered. Covered during the inspection.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area. 2 small flying insects observed in rear storage area of the kitchen in vicinity of rear door. Door observed ajar. Door closed during the inspection by operator.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. 6/1/24
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Walk in freezer - speed rack Repackaged raw chicken on tray stored over pork wantons.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold buffet crab salad 49, squid salad 45 F less than 1 hr. ( second temperatures 39/39F after being placed on ice. ) corrected during the inspection. Make line upright glass door cooler - egg rolls 47, breaded chicken 45, raw chicken 44F ( per operator less than 1 hr )
Bathroom fixture in disrepair. Women's Restroom hand wash sink under counter drain pipe supported by Vehicle jack.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Employee preparing food in customer section of dining area. Stuffed wontons being prepared in dining room. Area blocked off by dividers and no cross contamination observed at time of the inspection. Preparation of stuffed wontons observed early in process. Operation moved to kitchen during the inspection.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Ware wash area
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Fluorescent lights adjacent to kitchen walk in cooler #1.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin present. Rear kitchen door observed ajar at start of the inspection. Operator closed rear kitchen door.
Wall under dishwasher observed soiled with an accumulation of a dark mold like substance.
Mar 4, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 23, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 1 recorded.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Blue painted ceiling above buffet lines observed to be soiled with an accumulation of a dark mold-like substance.
Jan 24, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 22, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook line glass door upright- chicken 50/53/52/51, egg rolls 53, dumplings 51F - per operator less than 4 hrs. All above moved to secondary cold hold unit for rapid cooling.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Cook line glass door upright- ambient temperature above 50F
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Expo wait station Scoop handle removed from direct contact with ice.
Stored food not covered. Walk in freezer Dumplings and egg rolls in plastic containers uncovered. Lids placed on both during the inspection.
Jul 11, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach observed in basin of ware wash hand wash sink. Roach killed and removed during the inspection. Sink cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Storage shelf cook line - yellow rice 68/65F less than 2 hrs., breaded chicken 48/49F less than 1 hr. Items moved to walk in cooler for rapid cooling during the inspection. Cook line make bar - cooked onions 57, mixed vegetables( peas and carrots ) 53, chicken 53, beef 54/55, wantons 60, chicken 49F / glass door upright- egg rolls 56, chicken 44/59/47F Per operator less than 2 hrs. Advised operator to close cooler top and slide doors to facilitate cooling, and to ice if necessary.
Dead roaches on premises. 13 dead roaches observed 1 dead roach observed under front middle hot buffet bar. Roach removed during the inspection. ( Located in closed cabinet ) 2 dead roaches observed on top of the dish machine, ware wash area. 2 dead roaches observed on bottom shelf of rear storage table located in rear storage area of kitchen. 1 dead roach observed on cardboard box containing sealed #10 cans - rear storage area. 7 dead roaches observed on floor at rear of storage area. Dead roaches removed and areas cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Jul 7, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach observed in basin of ware wash hand wash sink. Roach killed and removed during the inspection. Sink cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Storage shelf cook line - yellow rice 68/65F less than 2 hrs., breaded chicken 48/49F less than 1 hr. Items moved to walk in cooler for rapid cooling during the inspection. Cook line make bar - cooked onions 57, mixed vegetables( peas and carrots ) 53, chicken 53, beef 54/55, wantons 60, chicken 49F / glass door upright- egg rolls 56, chicken 44/59/47F Per operator less than 2 hrs. Advised operator to close cooler top and slide doors to facilitate cooling, and to ice if necessary.
Dead roaches on premises. 13 dead roaches observed 1 dead roach observed under front middle hot buffet bar. Roach removed during the inspection. ( Located in closed cabinet ) 2 dead roaches observed on top of the dish machine, ware wash area. 2 dead roaches observed on bottom shelf of rear storage table located in rear storage area of kitchen. 1 dead roach observed on cardboard box containing sealed #10 cans - rear storage area. 7 dead roaches observed on floor at rear of storage area. Dead roaches removed and areas cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Jul 6, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 18 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Buffet Dry noodles and chopped scallions Uncovered on buffet line. Both items covered during the inspection
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Dish washer observed handling soiled dishes and clean dishes without hand washing. Discussion continued with operator reference hand washing requirements.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in the walk in freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Speed rack Repackaged raw chicken over uncooked dumplings
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach observed in basin of ware wash hand wash sink. Roach killed and removed during the inspection. Sink cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Storage shelf cook line - yellow rice 68/65F less than 2 hrs., breaded chicken 48/49F less than 1 hr. Items moved to walk in cooler for rapid cooling during the inspection. Cook line make bar - cooked onions 57, mixed vegetables( peas and carrots ) 53, chicken 53, beef 54/55, wantons 60, chicken 49F / glass door upright- egg rolls 56, chicken 44/59/47F Per operator less than 2 hrs. Advised operator to close cooler top and slide doors to facilitate cooling, and to ice if necessary.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on cook line
No soap provided at handwash sink. Sushi bar and ware wash hand wash sinks Soap restocked during the inspection.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top of dish washing machine soiled.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty container. Cook line shelf Clean utensils stored in soiled container. Utensils removed and washed during the inspection.
Dead roaches on premises. 13 dead roaches observed 1 dead roach observed under front middle hot buffet bar. Roach removed during the inspection. ( Located in closed cabinet ) 2 dead roaches observed on top of the dish machine, ware wash area. 2 dead roaches observed on bottom shelf of rear storage table located in rear storage area of kitchen. 1 dead roach observed on cardboard box containing sealed #10 cans - rear storage area. 7 dead roaches observed on floor at rear of storage area. Dead roaches removed and areas cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Ware wash area
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under cook line Heavy grease buildup and debris accumulation observed.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Cook line
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Top of cook line oven
Objectionable odors in ware wash area of the establishment. Standing water and buckets with soiled water observed.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Cook line make bar Bottom shelf Old food debris and spilled liquid observed.
Stored food not covered. Walk in freezer Wantons, egg rolls, chicken.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Storage area Sugar, rice, flour bins not labeled.
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.