Templates
Restaurant operations checklist

Restaurant operations checklist

Manage daily restaurant tasks with a checklist that covers food safety, inventory management, and facility maintenance.

Use this template
or download pdf
Restaurant operations checklist

Manage daily restaurant tasks with a checklist that covers food safety, inventory management, and facility maintenance.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the Restaurant operations checklist

Running a restaurant smoothly requires careful coordination, from food preparation and customer service to inventory management. A well-structured restaurant operations checklist helps you stay on top of everything from food safety protocols to customer service standards.

With this template, you can streamline daily tasks so your team keeps delivering an excellent customer experience. Use it to simplify your daily operations while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Key elements of the restaurant operations checklist

Here are the essential elements that make this template so effective:

  1. Facility maintenance: This section ensures your physical space is safe, clean, and inviting. From checking the lighting to verifying that kitchen equipment is working properly, it captures all tasks necessary for providing a comfortable environment for both staff and customers.
  2. Food safety and handling: Ensuring food is stored and handled correctly is non-negotiable. This part of the checklist covers everything from monitoring food temperatures to enforcing hygiene standards, helping you reduce the risk of contamination and maintain compliance with safety regulations.
  3. Inventory management: Keeping track of stock levels and monitoring expiration dates are vital to prevent wastage and shortages. This section helps you streamline ordering processes and maintain proper stock rotation, contributing to better cost control.
  4. Customer service: Excellent customer service is at the core of any successful restaurant. This section includes tasks like greeting customers, timely order delivery, and handling complaints efficiently.

How to customize the restaurant operations checklist

Every restaurant has its own unique operations, which is why this restaurant operations checklist is fully customizable to suit your workflow.

You can modify the food safety standards in the checklist based on your local health regulations. If your region requires more frequent temperature checks or mandates separate storage for allergens, you can add custom fields so these protocols are met. A

The checklist also allows you to use conditional logic. For example, if a temperature check reveals that a freezer is not at the optimal setting, follow-up questions can be triggered automatically, prompting staff to document corrective actions like moving food to a backup freezer.

Feel free to add sections dedicated to seasonal or special event preparations. If your restaurant caters to large holiday parties or runs promotions, you can create specific checklist fields to account for increased demand.

Download Lumiform’s restaurant operations checklist today

Streamline your restaurant’s workflow with this restaurant operations checklist. With customizable fields and data analysis features, this template empowers you in managing your operations. Stay on top of all essential tasks with an organized approach that adapts to your unique needs.

Categories

  • Operational excellence templates
  • Hospitality templates
  • Food safety templates
  • Templates for business processes
Preview of the template
Page 1
Facility Maintenance
Check that all lighting is functioning properly
Ensure all floors are clean and free of debris
Verify all kitchen equipment is in good working order
Inspect all restrooms and restock supplies as needed
Check HVAC system is operating at optimal temperature
Clean and maintain all food preparation surfaces
Food Safety & Handling
Ensure food storage areas are at proper temperatures
Verify all food is fresh, free of contamination
Use color-coded cutting boards for different food types
Properly label and date all stored food items
Enforce strict hand washing protocols for all staff
Ensure all utensils and cookware are thoroughly cleaned
Inventory & Ordering
Review current inventory levels for all key supplies
Place orders to maintain adequate stock levels
Verify all deliveries match purchase orders
Rotate stock to use oldest items first
Monitor expiration dates and discard expired items
Securely store all valuable inventory
Customer Service
Greet all customers in a friendly, professional manner
Ensure tables are set and presentation is neat
Provide menus and take orders promptly
Deliver food and drinks in a timely fashion
Address any customer complaints or concerns
Thank customers and invite them to return
Financial Management
Review daily sales reports and revenue
Reconcile cash drawers and credit card transactions
Monitor inventory costs and food/labor expenses
Analyze budget vs. actual performance
Process payroll and employee reimbursements
File required tax forms and make payments on time

Frequently asked questions

How often should I update my restaurant operations checklist?

You should update your restaurant operations checklist regularly, at least every quarter or when significant changes occur in your business, such as new health regulations, equipment updates, or menu changes. With regular updates, the checklist stays relevant and addresses current operational needs, helping your team stay on track.

What does a restaurant operations manager do?

A restaurant operations manager oversees the day-to-day functions of the restaurant, from staffing and scheduling to inventory and financial management. They ensure all departments work together smoothly, maintain food safety standards, and create a positive customer experience. Their role often involves problem-solving and optimizing processes for greater efficiency.

What is a restaurant operations executive?

A restaurant operations executive focuses on higher-level strategy and decision-making within the restaurant’s operations. They analyze performance metrics, set long-term goals, manage budgets, and collaborate with department heads to implement new procedures. Unlike an operations manager, they are often less involved in the daily tasks and more focused on broader business objectives.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when managing restaurant inventory?

One common mistake is failing to rotate stock, which leads to food waste and increased costs. Another is not tracking inventory regularly, which can cause over-ordering or stockouts. Additionally, not training staff on proper inventory procedures can result in inaccurate counts. Use technology such as Lumiform’s checklists to automate tracking and implement clear procedures for all staff.

How can the restaurant operations checklist help during health inspections?

A restaurant operations checklist keeps your team prepared for health inspections by outlining tasks related to food safety, hygiene, and equipment maintenance. By routinely following this checklist, you can address common inspection points, such as proper food storage temperatures and sanitation practices, before inspectors arrive. This keeps your restaurant in compliance and reduces the risk of violations.

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.