First Choice Freezer and Cold Storage

First Choice Freezer and Cold Storage has earned a reputation as a reliable family-run business, providing efficient handling, storage, and transport of temperature-sensitive food products throughout the greater Philadelphia area. It offers cold storage as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit as well as refrigerated rooms for palletized products. In addition, a variety of dry and climate-controlled storage for non-refrigerated goods is available, along with blast-freezing services, used to prolong the shelf-life of fresh produce.

“Based on my experience, I anticipate a shortage of cold storage facilities on the East Coast over the next 10 years. We invest in state-of-the-art facilities and technology to stay equipped to meet the rising demand and continue to exceed client expectations,” says Michael Levari Sr., owner of First Choice Freezer and Cold Storage and M&O Freezer & Cold Storage.

Levari entered the warehousing and transportation industry 40 years ago, accompanying his father on deliveries to a cold storage warehouse, which was just over 100,000 square feet at the time. This building was purchased by the Levari family in 2001 and has been fully renovated with modern systems and refrigeration equipment. Since then, First Choice has expanded to nearly one million square feet of space. Each of its facilities is equipped with temperature controllers, allowing it to flexibly meet client demands by switching from frozen to refrigeration as per their needs.

There is robust protection available for client products, which includes around-the-clock surveillance and security on the interior and exterior of all First Choice warehouses. A modern warehouse management system is leveraged for tracking and managing inventory. The system interfaces with major enterprise resource planning software and gives customers total visibility and a real-time view of inventory, shipments, and the status of ongoing projects.

Temperature is monitored and logged continuously. In the event of power loss, Freon leak, or other irregularity, backup refrigeration and compressors ensure the safety of goods, and First Choice representatives are alerted for immediate response.

First Choice Freezer and Cold Storage’s success stems from its commitment to placing customers at the center of its operations.

“I am supported by my sons, Michael and Romeo, as well as my nephew, Christopher, in the business. As a family-run business, we’re extremely hands-on and available 24/7 to address any issue,” says Levari.

This commitment has allowed the company to retain many of its customers since opening its doors 22 years ago while continuing to invest in new business relationships. One organization approached First Choice seeking storage for 1,000 pallets. Not only was the team able to meet this need, but they also provided a dedicated warehouse to the client, who recently signed up for several years of continued service.

In addition to advanced storage facilities, it also maintains a logistics center. Through this, refrigerated trucks can be arranged, allowing clients to use First Choice as not only their storage solution provider but their transportation provider as well.

First Choice plans to continue its investment and expansion to meet the growing customer demands. The most recent addition to its facilities was finished in January 2023, and it took only 30 days to fill to capacity.

Taking the labor factor into account, new warehouses will take advantage of automation technology. The demand for cold storage certainly shows no signs of slowing down, and First Choice is prepared to provide reliable, scalable refrigeration and cold storage solutions to restaurant owners, grocers, and food service providers.