Basic Restaurant Opening and Closing Checklists

These restaurant opening and closing checklists list the tasks every shift should finish before the doors open and after they close: front of house, bar, kitchen, restrooms and manager duties. Use them to make sure food is stored safely, the dining room is ready and the building is secure, no matter who is on shift. You can download the free PDF from the download button on this page and print it for each station.

Running a successful restaurant takes attention to detail and consistent routines. These checklists help you run daily operations smoothly, keep food safe and give guests a great experience every time.

Prefer to skip the paper? Run these checklists on any phone or tablet with MaintainIQ, the checklist and maintenance app for single and multi-location operators.

Benefits of Using Restaurant Checklists

1. Consistency in operations: Every shift starts and ends with the same high standards.
2. Improved efficiency: Clear steps cut the time spent on daily routines.
3. Better food safety: Regular checks keep food storage and prep on track.
4. Better staff training: New and existing employees get clear written steps to follow.
5. Fewer errors: Fewer oversights and mistakes in daily operations.
6. More accountability: You can see which tasks were done and who did them.

Key Areas Covered in Our Checklists

Opening Checklist

1. Front of house
   • Unlock entrances
   • Adjust lighting and temperature
   • Prepare dining area and host station
2. Bar area
   • Stock and organize the bar
   • Prepare garnishes and ice
3. Kitchen
   • Turn on equipment
   • Check food stock and temperatures
   • Prepare ingredients for the day
4. General tasks
   • Count cash and set up POS systems
   • Brief staff on daily specials and events

When you check temperatures at opening, the FDA Food Code standard is cold holding at 41°F (5°C) or below and hot holding at 135°F (57°C) or above. If a cooler reads warm, fix it before prep starts.

Closing Checklist

1. Front of house
   • Clean and sanitize dining areas
   • Restock server stations
2. Bar area
   • Clean bar equipment and glassware
   • Restock beverages and supplies
3. Kitchen
   • Clean and sanitize all surfaces and equipment
   • Store food properly and note what needs reordering
4. Restrooms
   • Clean and restock supplies
5. General tasks
   • Reconcile cash and run reports
   • Secure the premises and set alarms
6. Manager duties
   • Review sales and labor reports
   • Follow up on any guest issues
   • Prepare for the next day’s operations

For a closer look at the end of the night, see what belongs on a restaurant closing checklist or download the kitchen closing checklist. Busy restaurants often add a mid-shift checklist between the two.

Customization and Implementation

These checklists are a starting point that you can adapt to your restaurant. We recommend:

• Tailoring the checklists to your layout and procedures
• Assigning specific staff members to each section
• Reviewing and updating the checklists regularly
• Training all staff on how to use the checklists

Boost Your Restaurant’s Efficiency Today

Opening and closing checklists can make a real difference to your operations, food safety and guest experience. Download the PDF on this page to start tightening up your daily routines.

To run the same lists digitally, MaintainIQ, a checklist and maintenance app, lets you set a due time for each checklist, such as opening checks by 10 AM, and shows every location’s status, when it was last completed and who submitted it. See how it helps you run restaurant daily operations the same way every shift.