Restaurant Opening Checklist
Equipment, stock, safety, and service prep — done in order, before the doors open.
Unlock and disarm alarm
Log entry time and check premises for any overnight issues.
~2 min
Turn on lights, music, and HVAC
Set temperature for guests. Confirm music license source is playing.
~5 min
Check refrigerator and freezer temps
Log every unit. Anything outside 33–40°F (fridge) or 0°F (freezer) escalates to manager.
~10 min
Power up kitchen equipment
Grills, fryers, ovens, hoods. Confirm hoods are pulling. Test gas smell.
~15 min
Open POS, printers, and card terminals
Login, test a print at each station, run a $0 test transaction.
~10 min
Inspect bathrooms and dining room
Stocked, clean, lights working. Fix anything missed on close.
~10 min
Brief pre-shift team
Specials, 86 list, large reservations, VIPs, weather, staffing.
~10 min
Unlock front door at opening time
Manager signs the opening checklist.
~1 min
Frequently asked questions
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