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27 free restaurant checklists

27 free restaurant checklists

Hero author imageBy Ima Ocon
•
February 28th, 2025
•
13 min read
Hero image

Table of contents

  • Essential restaurant checklists
    • 1. Restaurant checklist
    • 2. Restaurant cleaning checklist
    • 3. Restaurant opening checklist
    • 4. Restaurant manager duties checklist
    • 5. Restaurant closing checklist
    • 6. Daily restaurant checklist
    • 7. Restaurant health inspection checklist
    • 8. Restaurant maintenance checklist
    • 9. Restaurant audit checklist
    • 10. Restaurant hygiene checklist
    • 11. Restaurant safety checklist
    • 12. Restaurant fire inspection checklist
    • 13. Restaurant inspection checklist
    • 14. Restaurant operations checklist
    • 15. Restaurant loss prevention checklist
    • 16. Restaurant sanitation checklist
    • 17. New restaurant opening checklist
    • 18. 125-point due diligence checklist for restaurants
    • 19. Restaurant inventory checklist
    • 20. OSHA restaurant inspection checklist
    • 21. Secret shopper restaurant checklist
    • 22. Restaurant food safety checklist
    • 23. Restaurant remodel checklist
    • 24. Restaurant renovation checklist
    • 25. Restaurant checklist (Inspections Coordination Office of Malta)
    • 26. Food service manager self-inspection checklist (South Dakota Department of Health)
    • 27. Hygiene rating checklist (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
  • How to create a restaurant checklist template in Lumiform

Running a restaurant is a fast-paced and demanding job, where every detail counts. From daily cleanliness standards to inventory checks and food safety protocols, being consistent with all of it can be challenging without an organized approach. A restaurant checklist streamlines these tasks and prevents oversights, whether during opening, closing, or mid-shift.

With a checklist on hand, your team can manage operations more efficiently, reduce mistakes, and ensure compliance with health standards. Here are 27 diverse restaurant checklists that cover the key aspects of running a restaurant so your team can deliver excellent service and quality.

Essential restaurant checklists

Regardless of the type of restaurant that you’re managing, these checklists will aid you in meeting the demands of your business. They cover food sanitation, daily operations, renovations, and more:

  1. Restaurant checklist

    Restaurant checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    When you oversee restaurant operations, you’re handling several responsibilities, and this general restaurant checklist helps keep everything on track. It addresses critical areas such as the internal and external spaces of the restaurant, the back of house, and the bar and kitchen, along with dining experience, service, and food. You can modify it to focus on specific aspects like food preparation, depending on your needs.
    Use this templateSee details
  2. Restaurant cleaning checklist

    Restaurant cleaning checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Keeping your restaurant spotless is essential for success. This cleaning checklist covers daily, weekly, and monthly tasks so that every area is properly sanitized, from the kitchen to the dining room. It includes sections for food prep areas, restrooms, and common spaces. This aids you in complying with health codes and keeping customers satisfied. To customize it, you can adjust the sections based on your restaurant’s layout or add products that your team uses regularly.
    Use this templateSee details
  3. Restaurant opening checklist

    Restaurant opening checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Start every shift on the right foot with a well-organized opening routine. This checklist walks your team through key tasks like checking inventory, prepping food stations, and inspecting safety equipment. It helps streamline your team’s morning workflow so no detail is overlooked. You can tailor the checklist by including your restaurant’s specific equipment and stock needs for a smoother transition into service hours.
    Use this templateSee details
  4. Restaurant manager duties checklist

    Restaurant manager duties checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Restaurant managers take on a wide range of responsibilities, including supervising staff and guaranteeing quality standards. This manager’s checklist offers a clear guide for daily operations, empowering managers to stay organized and proactive. It includes sections for shift planning, performance tracking, and customer feedback. Feel free to incorporate sections that reflect your management style or specific team responsibilities.
    Use this templateSee details
  5. Restaurant closing checklist

    Restaurant closing checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    End your day efficiently with this comprehensive closing checklist that makes sure nothing is left undone. It covers essential tasks, from kitchen clean-up to inventory security so your team can wrap up seamlessly and prepare for the next day. To personalize the checklist, include your restaurant’s own closing procedures and security protocols.
    Use this templateSee details
  6. Daily restaurant checklist

    Daily restaurant checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Consistent oversight of daily operations is key to managing a successful restaurant. This checklist ensures important daily tasks are handled properly, such as food preparation, staff scheduling, table setups, and equipment checks. By outlining responsibilities and providing a structured routine, it helps minimize oversights and keeps your team aligned with your restaurant’s operational goals. You can add in unique daily routines specific to your restaurant, like prep times for certain dishes or special tasks for different shifts.
    Use this templateSee details
  7. Restaurant health inspection checklist

    Restaurant health inspection checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Staying compliant with health regulations is crucial for restaurant operations, and this health inspection checklist helps ensure that your establishment meets all the necessary standards. Covering areas like food storage, temperature control, cleanliness of food prep surfaces, and employee hygiene, it gives you a systematic guide to passing health inspections with confidence. To meet local health code variations or specific inspection criteria, you can easily adapt the checklist. For example, you can take into account frequent issues your restaurant encounters during inspections.
    Use this templateSee details
  8. Restaurant maintenance checklist

    Restaurant maintenance checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Regular maintenance is critical for avoiding sudden equipment breakdowns and keeping a restaurant running smoothly. This maintenance checklist offers a guide to inspecting kitchen appliances, plumbing, HVAC systems, and dining area facilities, ensuring that everything is in proper working order. Routine upkeep not only extends the life of your equipment but also minimizes the risk of emergency repairs. You can modify the checklist to emphasize specific equipment in your operations, or add seasonal checks like HVAC system servicing before summer.
    Use this templateSee details
  9. Restaurant audit checklist

    Restaurant audit checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Auditing a restaurant can be a complex process, but this checklist makes it more manageable by breaking it down into key areas such as inventory control, staff performance, financial tracking, and safety compliance. It provides an organized framework for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within your business. Whether you’re conducting an internal audit or preparing for an external one, this checklist can be tailored to focus on the specific aspects of your business that need more in-depth evaluation.
    Use this templateSee details
  10. Restaurant hygiene checklist

    Restaurant hygiene checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Maintaining impeccable hygiene standards is crucial for food safety and customer satisfaction in the restaurant industry. This hygiene checklist helps you monitor critical areas such as handwashing practices, kitchen cleanliness, food storage protocols, and sanitation of dining areas. By following these guidelines, you can prevent contamination and comply with food safety regulations. The checklist can be customized to fit your kitchen layout, staff size, or the type of cuisine you serve.
    Use this templateSee details
  11. Restaurant safety checklist

    Restaurant safety checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Safety should be the top priority for both restaurant staff and customers. This checklist covers important areas like proper equipment handling, food safety protocols, slip and fall prevention, and emergency preparedness. By implementing this checklist, your team can meet safety regulations, minimizing risks and creating a secure workplace. You can adapt the checklist to include any unique safety concerns for your restaurant, such as handling hazardous materials or maintaining certain equipment.
    Use this templateSee details
  12. Restaurant fire inspection checklist

    Restaurant fire inspection checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Every restaurant must have fire safety measures in place, and this fire inspection checklist helps you stay on top of safety management. It includes regular checks of fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, and electrical wiring to ensure compliance with fire codes. Use this checklist to conduct routine inspections and address potential fire hazards before they become a threat. Customize it by adding details based on your building layout or additional fire safety procedures required by local regulations.
    Use this templateSee details
  13. Restaurant inspection checklist

    Restaurant inspection checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Passing restaurant inspections requires thorough preparation. This restaurant inspection checklist supports you in organizing and tracking critical areas, including kitchen cleanliness, equipment functionality, food storage, and hygiene practices. By following this checklist, you can ensure that all inspection criteria are met, reducing the risk of fines or operational delays. You can customize the checklist for different inspection types, such as health or fire safety. It can also be adapted for recurring audits that hone in on specific operational areas.
    Use this templateSee details
  14. Restaurant operations checklist

    Restaurant operations checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    For smooth and consistent restaurant management, an organized operations checklist is a must-have tool. This template addresses key aspects of day-to-day operations, from staff assignments and inventory management to service quality and customer satisfaction. With this checklist, you can maintain efficient restaurant operations from opening to closing. Tailor the checklist to address specific workflows, seasonal changes in your menu, or different service shifts.
    Use this templateSee details
  15. Restaurant loss prevention checklist

    Restaurant loss prevention checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Loss prevention is crucial for keeping a restaurant profitable. This checklist guides you through identifying and addressing areas where shrinkage or theft may occur, such as inventory control, cash handling, and employee oversight. It provides structured tasks for minimizing losses and maintaining financial integrity. Customize the checklist by focusing on high-risk areas unique to your restaurant, such as high-value inventory items or weak points in your cash management systems.
    Use this templateSee details
  16. Restaurant sanitation checklist

    Restaurant sanitation checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    This checklist empowers you to maintain high standards of sanitation for the health and safety of staff and customers. It covers key areas like food preparation, kitchen cleanliness, waste disposal, and employee hygiene. By following these guidelines, you can comply with health regulations and avoid contamination risks. Feel free to edit the checklist to match the sanitation protocols of your restaurant or have it address high-traffic areas that require more frequent cleaning.
    Use this templateSee details
  17. New restaurant opening checklist

    New restaurant opening checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Opening a new restaurant is an intensive process, from securing permits to conducting marketing campaigns. This new restaurant opening checklist streamlines your work by covering staff hiring, equipment setup, food safety protocols, and even promotions. This way, you can keep every aspect of your opening well-organized, with all details attended to. Modify the template based on the requirements of your concept or your launch goals, leading to a smooth opening day.
    Use this templateSee details
  18. 125-point due diligence checklist for restaurants

    125-point due diligence checklist for restaurants
    Use this templateSee details
    Conducting thorough due diligence is essential when buying or opening a restaurant. This 125-point checklist provides a comprehensive guide that tackles financial records, lease agreements, health code compliance, and kitchen equipment inspections. You can then have a detailed overview of your restaurant’s operations before making any commitments. Consider adding in other legal or operational concerns, depending on the type of restaurant and the area you’re working in.
    Use this templateSee details
  19. Restaurant inventory checklist

    Restaurant inventory checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    To remain profitable and avoid waste, restaurants need to keep accurate inventory. Use this restaurant inventory checklist to track ingredients, supplies, and stock levels so you’re always prepared without over-ordering. It covers different kinds of food, smallwares, equipment, and even critical documents. You can tailor the checklist to focus on high-turnover items or seasonal ingredients that are key to your restaurant’s menu.
    Use this templateSee details
  20. OSHA restaurant inspection checklist

    OSHA restaurant inspection checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Compliance with OSHA regulations is non-negotiable when it comes to employee safety. This OSHA restaurant inspection checklist provides a clear guide for verifying if safety standards are met, from fire hazards and emergency exits to proper storage and equipment maintenance. With this template, you can easily conduct routine inspections and address any areas of concern before they become compliance issues. Customize it based on your restaurant’s layout and the OSHA regulations that apply to your location.
    Use this templateSee details
  21. Secret shopper restaurant checklist

    Secret shopper restaurant checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    A secret shopper checklist allows restaurant owners and managers to gain valuable insights into the customer experience from an unbiased perspective. This checklist evaluates areas such as service quality, food presentation, cleanliness, and overall ambiance, helping you pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement. You can customize this checklist to focus on specific aspects of the customer journey that are most important to your restaurant, such as wait times or staff interactions.
    Use this templateSee details
  22. Restaurant food safety checklist

    Restaurant food safety checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Food safety is critical in the restaurant industry, and this checklist ensures your establishment meets the highest safety standards. It covers important areas such as proper food storage, cooking temperatures, hygiene practices, and allergen management. Following proper guidelines here prevents contamination and keeps your restaurant compliant with food safety regulations. Tailor this checklist by including other guidelines that apply to your kitchen, such as for handling raw foods or monitoring possible cross-contamination.
    Use this templateSee details
  23. Restaurant remodel checklist

    Restaurant remodel checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Remodeling a restaurant requires careful planning and organization. This checklist helps you stay on track with design updates, equipment installations, obtaining permits, managing contractor schedules, and more. It ensures every detail is accounted for, so the remodel goes smoothly without disrupting operations. You can edit the checklist to focus on certain renovation priorities, whether it’s a full kitchen overhaul or just upgrading your dining space.
    Use this templateSee details
  24. Restaurant renovation checklist

    Restaurant renovation checklist
    Use this templateSee details
    Renovating a restaurant can be complex, but this renovation checklist ensures that every detail is handled efficiently. It covers crucial aspects like budgeting, contractor coordination, permits, and compliance with health and safety regulations. By following this checklist, you can minimize downtime and avoid costly mistakes. Customize it based on your renovation goals, such as improving the layout or expanding seating capacity.
    Use this templateSee details
  25. Restaurant checklist (Inspections Coordination Office of Malta)

    Restaurant checklist (Inspections Coordination Office of Malta)
    See details
    This comprehensive checklist from the Inspections Coordination Office of Malta serves as a thorough inspection tool to help businesses meet regulatory requirements. It tackles key areas such as cleaning procedures, kitchen layout, equipment maintenance, food handling, pest control, and waste management. The questions are detailed, even citing guidelines so you can fill out the checklist correctly. With this checklist, you can systematically track compliance and improve operational efficiency.
    See details
  26. Food service manager self-inspection checklist (South Dakota Department of Health)

    Food service manager self-inspection checklist (South Dakota Department of Health)
    See details
    This checklist by the South Dakota Government of Health allows food service managers to identify areas requiring corrective action, track improvements, and maintain records for future reference. The checklist covers critical food safety categories, including personal hygiene, hot and cold food storage, and garbage disposal, with. pest control. It follows a straightforward yes-or-no format, and you can write down what action to take for each item.
    See details
  27. Hygiene rating checklist (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

    Hygiene rating checklist (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
    See details
    For a points-based evaluation, you can reference this hygiene rating checklist from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It follows a transparent scoring system, where you’ll assess essential food safety aspects, from facility design and food handling practices to temperature control. Each criterion is assigned a numerical score, and the checklist also marks out high-priority items that need immediate corrective action. Afterwards, you can calculate a total complaince score.
    See details

How to create a restaurant checklist template in Lumiform

Creating a restaurant checklist in Lumiform is straightforward and easy, allowing you to design a solution tailored to your team’s exact needs.

Start by choosing a checklist from Lumiform’s template library or generating a new one with a prompt in the AI form builder. You can then add tasks like cleaning routines and food safety checks that your restaurant follows. Take advantage of multiple response types, such as checkboxes, text fields, and even photos so tasks are clearly documented.

For enhanced efficiency, you can assign tasks using role assignment, so each team member knows exactly what to focus on during their shift. Once you’re done with the checklist, your team will then have the option to fill it out on mobile devices. They can complete tasks on the go, even during busy service hours.

After the checklist has been submitted, the app automatically collects and analyzes all data, allowing you to spot trends or areas for improvement. You can then track performance over time, adjust processes accordingly, and maintain high standards in your restaurant.


Frequently asked questions

Why is a checklist important in a restaurant?

A checklist keeps your restaurant running smoothly by giving staff clear, step-by-step instructions for daily tasks. It reduces the chances of forgetting important details, especially during busy times. Whether it’s food safety, cleaning, or inventory, a checklist standardizes operations, helping to maintain consistency and prevent mistakes across shifts.

What are common mistakes restaurants make when using checklists?

One common mistake is creating checklists that are too long or complicated, making them overwhelming for staff to follow. Another issue is failing to regularly update them, which can leave outdated tasks or irrelevant information. Also, not assigning specific roles for each task can lead to confusion and incomplete work.

How can I get my staff to consistently use restaurant checklists?

To encourage consistent use, make sure your checklist is user-friendly. Lumiform’s checklists are all designed for this, and they’re also all easy to fill out, with mobile access included. Involve your staff in creating or refining the checklist, so they feel invested in the process. Regularly remind them of the importance of completing the checklist during training and team meetings.

Author
Ima Ocon
Ima is a writer and editor who specializes in technology, with experience crafting content for companies like Canva and FluentU. She's passionate about startups, remote work, and language learning, as well as the applications of AI in marketing. Currently, she is based in Asia, and she previously studied in Taiwan and Singapore.
Lumiform offers innovative software to streamline frontline workflows. With over 12,000 ready-to-use templates or custom digital forms, organizations can increase efficiency and automate key business processes. The platform is particularly user-friendly, offering advanced reporting capabilities and powerful logic functions that enable automated solutions for standardized workflows. Discover the transformative potential of Lumiform to optimize your frontline workflows. Learn more about the product

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