Restaurant Opening Checklist

Equipment, stock, safety, and service prep — done in order, before the doors open.

Checklist steps

  1. Unlock and disarm alarm

    Log entry time and check premises for any overnight issues.

  2. Turn on lights, music, and HVAC

    Set temperature for guests. Confirm music license source is playing.

  3. Check refrigerator and freezer temps

    Log every unit. Anything outside 33–40°F (fridge) or 0°F (freezer) escalates to manager.

  4. Power up kitchen equipment

    Grills, fryers, ovens, hoods. Confirm hoods are pulling. Test gas smell.

  5. Open POS, printers, and card terminals

    Login, test a print at each station, run a $0 test transaction.

  6. Inspect bathrooms and dining room

    Stocked, clean, lights working. Fix anything missed on close.

  7. Brief pre-shift team

    Specials, 86 list, large reservations, VIPs, weather, staffing.

  8. Unlock front door at opening time

    Manager signs the opening checklist.

Frequently asked questions

When should opening start?

At least 60–90 minutes before doors open for full-service; 45 minutes for quick-service.