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Restaurant internal audit checklist template

Restaurant internal audit checklist template

Evaluate your restaurant’s operations with precision using this internal audit checklist. Use it to conduct thorough evaluations, from kitchen safety to staff compliance.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF
Restaurant internal audit checklist template

Evaluate your restaurant’s operations with precision using this internal audit checklist. Use it to conduct thorough evaluations, from kitchen safety to staff compliance.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

The restaurant internal audit checklist is crafted to assist you in maintaining quality standards and ensure regulatory compliance across key areas of your restaurant operations. It evaluates facility maintenance, food safety practices, operational efficiency, and staff training, which are all critical for a successful restaurant.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, key risk factors for foodborne illness include contaminated equipment and improper holding temperatures. With this template, you can identify these risks before they lead to compliance issues or customer complaints.

Related categories

Created by

Author Name Ima Ocon
Preview of the template
Page 1
General Information
Restaurant Name
Restaurant Manager's Name
Date of Audit
Facility and Maintenance
Is the exterior of the building well-maintained?
Are all fixtures, equipment, and surfaces in the dining area clean and in good condition?
Are the restrooms clean, well-stocked, and in good working order?
Is the kitchen area clean, organized, and free of any hazards?
Is the HVAC system functioning properly to maintain a comfortable temperature?
Are the lighting fixtures in good working condition throughout the facility?
Are all necessary permits and licenses displayed prominently?
Comments
Food Safety and Sanitation
Are food preparation surfaces and equipment clean and sanitized?
Are cold food items stored at the appropriate temperature (40°F or below)?
Are hot food items held at the appropriate temperature (140°F or above)?
Are food items properly labeled with expiration dates?
Are employees following proper handwashing procedures?
Are sanitizing solutions being used at the correct concentration?
Are pest control measures in place and effective?
Comments
Operational Procedures
Are orders taken accurately and efficiently?
Are food items prepared and served in a timely manner?
Are cash handling procedures followed correctly?
Are inventory management processes effective?
Are employee grooming and dress code standards met?
Are customer complaints handled promptly and appropriately?
Are effective systems in place to manage food waste and recycling?
Comments
Employee Training and Development
Do employees receive comprehensive training on food safety and sanitation?
Are employees knowledgeable about menu items and able to make recommendations?
Do employees receive training on customer service and conflict resolution?
Are there opportunities for employee development and advancement?
Do employees feel valued and engaged in the restaurant's success?
Are employee performance reviews conducted regularly?
Comments

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best way to document findings from my restaurant internal audit?

Record findings directly in the checklist with specific details rather than general comments. Include photos of issues, note exact temperatures or measurements where applicable, and document conversations with staff.

What should I do with the results of my restaurant internal audit?

Create an action plan addressing each non-compliance issue with clear ownership, deadlines, and required resources. Prioritize critical food safety concerns first, followed by customer experience impacts and operational inefficiencies. Schedule follow-up checks for each corrective action and discuss recurring patterns at management meetings.

How can I customize this restaurant internal audit checklist for my specific operation?

Review each section and add items specific to your restaurant’s unique equipment, menu, or service style. Consider your historical problem areas and regulatory requirements in your jurisdiction. Remove irrelevant sections but be careful not to eliminate important checks just because they haven’t been problematic in the past.

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.
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.