Templates
Daily restaurant checklist

Daily restaurant checklist

Make the most of your daily restaurant operations with a fully customizable checklist that covers everything from opening tasks to inventory management.

Use this template
or download pdf
Daily restaurant checklist

Make the most of your daily restaurant operations with a fully customizable checklist that covers everything from opening tasks to inventory management.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the Daily restaurant checklist

Each day in a restaurant can be a whirlwind of activity, from prepping ingredients to coordinating your team. A daily restaurant checklist helps you keep track of every critical detail, ensuring that your team follows consistent procedures for opening, inventory management, and closing.

With this checklist, you can optimize your workflow, avoid missed steps, and maintain high operational standards day in and day out. It allows you to focus on what really matters—providing a satisfying dining experience.

Key elements of the daily restaurant checklist

The checklist features the following essential components, which make it effective for streamlining your workflow:

  1. Opening procedures: These tasks focus on preparing the restaurant for the day ahead. This includes unlocking doors, cleaning the dining area, and checking that all equipment is ready for use. A thorough opening routine ensures the restaurant is set up for success.
  2. Inventory checks: Accurate inventory management is crucial to avoiding shortages or wastage. This section of the checklist ensures your ingredients and supplies are stocked, food storage conditions are optimal, and any expired items are promptly discarded. Regular inventory checks lead to smoother service and cost control.
  3. Staff readiness: A well-prepared staff is key to providing excellent service. Your checklist should cover staff punctuality, proper uniforms, and their knowledge of the menu and safety protocols, ensuring everyone is ready for the shift.
  4. Closing procedures: Wrapping up the day efficiently is just as important as starting it. This involves turning off equipment, cleaning up, and securing the premises, which prevents issues overnight and ensures a smooth start the next day.

How to customize the daily restaurant checklist

You can easily tailor the daily restaurant checklist to suit your restaurant’s unique requirements.

For one, the opening and closing procedures can be adjusted based on your restaurant’s size and complexity. For example, larger restaurants might need to include multiple areas in the opening checks, such as additional dining rooms, patios, or multiple kitchens.

You can also add tasks related to specific kitchen equipment checks. For instance, if your kitchen uses specialized appliances such as pizza ovens or deep fryers, you can include steps to inspect those items daily so they’re properly maintained and ready for use.

The checklist allows you to use diverse input types. Feel free to enable photo uploads to verify equipment cleanliness. You might also include multiple choice options for tracking inventory levels and dropdowns to select specific menu items or ingredients.

Download Lumiform’s daily restaurant checklist today

Implementing this daily restaurant checklist can transform how you manage operations. Whether you need to keep track of inventory, streamline staff readiness, or stay on top of equipment maintenance, it provides a structured, customizable approach that fits your needs. Keep your restaurant running smoothly by using this checklist as a foundation for consistent, high-quality service.

Categories

  • Risk management and compliance templates
  • Hospitality templates
  • Food safety templates
  • Templates for business processes
Preview of the template
Page 1
Opening Procedures
Are all entrance and exit doors unlocked and in working order?
Is the dining area clean and set up for the day?
Are all tables, chairs, and booths cleaned and sanitized?
Are menus, condiments, and table settings fully stocked?
Is the kitchen area clean and prepped for service?
Are all cooking equipment and utensils clean and in good working order?
Is the dishwashing area stocked with necessary supplies?
Are the restrooms clean, stocked, and in working order?
Inventory Management
Is the inventory of key ingredients sufficient for the day's expected demand?
Are all food storage areas clean, organized, and at the proper temperatures?
Have any expired or spoiled items been discarded?
Are all dry storage shelves fully stocked and labelled?
Is the inventory of cleaning supplies adequate for the day?
Have all deliveries been properly logged and stored?
Staff Readiness
Have all staff members arrived on time and in proper uniform?
Have staff members reviewed the day's menu and specials?
Have staff completed all required pre-shift duties?
Are staff members aware of any allergen concerns or dietary restrictions?
Have staff reviewed emergency and safety protocols?
Opening Walkthrough
Indicate the time the walkthrough was completed:
Are all signage, lighting, and music functioning properly?
Is the overall ambiance and cleanliness satisfactory?
Are any maintenance or repair issues noted?
Are there any other opening concerns to address?
Closing Procedures
Indicate the time the closing walkthrough was completed:
Have all customers vacated the premises?
Have all kitchen equipment and appliances been turned off?
Have all food storage areas been properly secured?
Have all trash and recycling been properly disposed of?
Have all entry/exit points been locked and secured?
Have any maintenance or repair issues been noted?
Are there any other closing concerns to address?

Frequently asked questions

How can I improve customer satisfaction in my restaurant?

Improving customer satisfaction starts with consistent service and a positive dining experience. Focus on training your staff to engage with customers, respond quickly to requests, and maintain a clean, inviting environment. Additionally, regularly gathering customer feedback and addressing any common concerns or suggestions can help fine-tune your service and menu offerings.

How do I handle unexpected maintenance issues during service?

When maintenance issues come up during service, prioritize quick, temporary fixes that don’t disrupt customer experience. Train your staff to report problems immediately so you can assess the situation quickly. Keep essential tools and contact numbers for repair services on hand to address urgent problems.

What are some common mistakes restaurants make with daily checklists?

One common mistake is making the checklist too overwhelming, which leads to tasks being skipped or rushed. Another issue is not updating the checklist regularly—things change, and so should your processes. Finally, if the checklist isn’t easily accessible to the team, it may not be used effectively, so it’s important to integrate it smoothly into daily routines.

How can a restaurant checklist improve food safety practices?

A restaurant checklist can improve food safety by organizing daily tasks such as checking food storage temperatures, cleaning prep areas, and monitoring expiration dates. By using the checklist to document these actions, you can maintain a consistent approach to food safety and catch issues before they become a problem.

How can I streamline closing procedures to save time while maintaining quality?

To streamline closing procedures, break the tasks into smaller sections and assign specific roles to staff members. This prevents any one person from being overwhelmed and ensures tasks are done simultaneously. Focus on high-priority areas like equipment shutdown and food storage. Using a checklist also ensures that nothing is missed and can be referenced quickly.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.