Running a successful restaurant requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to daily operations. An effective opening and closing routine ensures that your restaurant is ready to provide excellent service and is secured properly at the end of the day.
In this guide, we provide comprehensive opening and closing checklists for restaurant management, front of house (FOH), and back of house (BOH) teams. Additionally, we've included downloadable PDF templates for easy reference and implementation.
These checklists help streamline operations, maintain high standards of cleanliness, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Restaurant Opening Checklist
Starting the day on the right foot is crucial for a restaurant’s success. A well-organized opening routine sets the tone for efficient service, satisfied customers, and a smooth operational flow. This section covers detailed checklists for the management, front of house, and back of house teams, ensuring that each aspect of the restaurant is thoroughly prepared for the day ahead.
Management Restaurant Opening Checklist
The management team plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of a restaurant. Their responsibilities include coordinating staff, reviewing daily specials, and ensuring that all financial and operational systems are in place.
Staff
- Review and adjust the staff schedule if needed.
- Prepare the topics and agenda for the staff meeting.
- Define and communicate the goals for the day.
- Conduct a staff tasting of new menu items.
Menu
- Go over the day's specials with the team.
- Review and ensure menu items are up to date.
Financials
- Set up cash registers with the starting cash for the day.
Final Walkthrough
- Perform a final inspection of the dining area.
- Double-check the kitchen to ensure all food safety standards are met.
Front of House Restaurant Opening Checklist
The front of house team is responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. This involves preparing the dining area, setting up the host/hostess station, and ensuring the bar and restrooms are ready for use.
Dining Area
- Turn on lighting and music.
- Adjust the thermostat.
- Set tables so that they’re ready for guests.
- Set tables and chairs in correct positions.
- Restock tabletop with salt, pepper.
- Ensure menus are clean and properly stored.
Host Station
- Prepare the reservation book and seating plan.
- Stock the host/hostess stand with necessary supplies.
Bar
- Stock the bar with liquor.
- Check that all bar equipment is clean and functioning properly.
- Prepare any pre-made mixes or garnishes.
Restroom
- Ensure restrooms are clean, stocked with supplies, and ready for guests.
Cleaning
- Sanitize all surfaces in the dining area, bar, and host/hostess station.
- Sweep the floors.
Service Station
- Stock service stations with necessary supplies such as napkins, condiments, and utensils.
- Ensure beverage stations are stocked and ready, including coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
POS System
- Ensure all POS systems are operational and accessible.
- Verify that all necessary software updates have been installed.
Safety
- Check that all fire extinguishers and first aid kits are accessible.
- Ensure that all emergency exits are clear.
Back of House Restaurant Opening Checklist
The back of house team is the backbone of the restaurant, ensuring that all kitchen operations run smoothly. Their tasks include preparing the kitchen, checking inventory, and adhering to food safety standards.
Cleaning
- Sanitize all work surfaces, cutting boards, and food preparation areas.
- Sweep kitchen floors.
- Ensure the dishwashing area is clean.
Inventory
- Review inventory levels, noting any items that need reordering.
- Restock items in the kitchen and storage areas.
- Verify and store any deliveries received overnight or early in the morning.
Kitchen
- Check that all refrigeration units are at the correct temperature.
- Prepare and set up prep stations with necessary utensils and ingredients.
- Confirm all cooking and prep areas are clean and sanitized.
- Prepare ingredients for needed stations.
Safety
- Check that all fire extinguishers and first aid kits are accessible.
- Ensure that all emergency exits are clear.
Downloadable PDF Restaurant Opening Checklist Template
Click on the image below for a downloadable PDF restaurant opening checklist template. We’ve also included a blank template page if you’d rather create your own.
Restaurant Closing Checklist
Closing a restaurant properly is just as important as opening it. A structured closing routine ensures that the restaurant is clean, all equipment is turned off, and the premises are secured. This section provides detailed closing checklists for management, front of house, and back of house teams, helping to maintain high standards and prepare the restaurant for the next day.
Management Restaurant Closing Checklist
At the end of the day, the management team must ensure that all financials are reconciled, schedules are updated, and the restaurant is secure.
Staff
- Review and update the staff schedule for the next day. (if needed)
- Ensure that all staff have clocked out and completed their tasks.
Menu
- Review and update the specials for the next day.
Financials
- Count and reconcile the cash registers.
- Verify that all transactions are correctly recorded in the POS system.
- Run end of day reports.
- Pay any outstanding bills.
Safety
- Lock all doors and windows, ensuring the restaurant is secure.
- Turn on the security system.
Front of House Restaurant Closing Checklist
The front of house team’s closing duties include cleaning and sanitizing the dining area, restocking supplies, and preparing the host/hostess station for the next day.
Dining Area
- Turn off lighting and music.
- Adjust the thermostat for overnight.
- Flip tables up for cleaning.
- Restock tabletop items such as salt, pepper, and condiments.
- Ensure menus are clean and properly stored.
Host Station
- Organize and update the reservation book for the next day.
- Restock the host/hostess stand with necessary supplies.
- Clean and sanitize the host/hostess station.
Bar
- Clean and sanitize all bar equipment.
- Dispose of any perishable garnishes.
Restroom
- Clean and sanitize restrooms, ensuring they are stocked with supplies.
Cleaning
- Sanitize all surfaces in the dining area, bar, and host station.
- Sweep and mop the floors in the dining area and bar.
- Empty all trash cans and dispose of waste properly.
- Clean up used rags from the day.
Service Station
- Restock service stations with necessary supplies such as napkins, condiments, and utensils.
- Ensure beverage stations are clean.
POS System
- Ensure all POS systems are turned off.
Safety and Emergency
- Close all windows.
Back of House Restaurant Closing Checklist
The back of house team’s closing tasks include cleaning the kitchen, checking inventory, and ensuring all equipment is turned off.
Cleaning
- Sanitize all work surfaces, cutting boards, and food preparation areas.
- Sweep and mop the kitchen floors, removing non-slip mats.
- Clean and sanitize all cooking utensils and equipment.
- Ensure the dishwashing area is clean and all dishes are washed, dried, and stored.
Inventory
- Review inventory levels, noting any items that need reordering.
- Restock items in the kitchen and storage areas.
- Verify and store any late deliveries received during the day.
Kitchen
- Check that all refrigeration units are at the correct temperature.
- Turn off and clean all kitchen equipment once cooled.
- Dispose of any expired or unusable food items.
Food Preparation
- Prepare ingredients for needed stations for the next day.
- Ensure all ingredients are properly stored and labeled.
Safety
- Secure all perishable items and lock storage areas.
- Ensure all gas and electric appliances are turned off.
Final Checks
- Perform a final walkthrough of the kitchen to ensure all stations are clean and ready for the next day.
- Empty trash cans and dispose of waste.
- Ensure the fridge and freezers are properly closed.
- Lock all doors and secure the kitchen area.
Downloadable PDF Restaurant Closing Checklist Template
Click on the image below for a downloadable PDF restaurant closing checklist template. We’ve also included a blank template page if you’d rather create your own.
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