Free Templates

Restaurant Opening & Closing Checklists

Print-ready opening and closing checklists for FOH, BOH, Bar, and Manager roles — download as PNG, PDF, or Word. Standardized pre-shift and post-shift procedures that reduce errors by up to 40% and cut training time in half.

Front of House (FOH)

Server / Host — Guest-facing operations

Opening Tasks

  • Verify reservation book & cover counts for the day
  • Set and polish all tabletops (silverware, glassware, linens)
  • Check condiment stations are stocked and clean
  • Refill salt, pepper, and sweetener caddies
  • Confirm daily specials and 86’d items with kitchen
  • Restock server stations (napkins, straws, to-go supplies)
  • Test POS terminals and printer paper levels
  • Sweep/mop dining room and host stand area
  • Check all light levels and ambiance settings
  • Complete pre-shift briefing with manager

Closing Tasks

  • Break down all tables and reset for next service
  • Wipe and sanitize all tabletops and chairs
  • Run all polished glassware and silverware back to storage
  • Consolidate and restock condiment stations
  • Clear and sanitize server stations
  • Restock to-go containers and packaging
  • Count and close out server cash drawers
  • Log any guest complaints or incidents
  • Sweep and mop dining room floor
  • Turn off lights; secure host stand area

Back of House (BOH)

Line Cook / Prep — Kitchen production & food safety

Opening Tasks

  • Check all refrigerator and freezer temps; log readings
  • Date-label and rotate all proteins and prep items (FIFO)
  • Set up and calibrate line stations per prep list
  • Pre-heat ovens, fryers, and grill to spec
  • Complete morning prep: sauces, stocks, mise en place
  • Verify par levels; notify manager of any shortages
  • Inspect all surfaces for cleanliness and sanitation
  • Test sanitizer buckets (200–400 ppm chlorine)
  • Confirm dish pit is stocked with chemical supplies
  • Review daily specials with chef and FOH team

Closing Tasks

  • Cool all hot items to 70°F within 2 hours; label & store
  • Break down, clean, and sanitize all line stations
  • Drain, clean, and filter all fryers
  • Scrape and clean grill grates; cover with protective oil
  • Run a full pot wash on all pots, pans, and utensils
  • Sweep and mop all kitchen floors
  • Clean and sanitize all prep surfaces and cutting boards
  • Dispose of all food waste; replace trash can liners
  • Log end-of-night fridge/freezer temperature readings
  • Turn off all equipment; verify pilot lights where required

Bar / Bartender

Bar operations & compliance

Opening Tasks

  • Count opening bar bank; log amount
  • Check liquor pars; request requisition if low
  • Restock beer, wine, and spirit wells
  • Date and rotate juices, syrups, and garnishes
  • Set up speed rail and mise en place
  • Test POS and verify happy hour pricing
  • Clean and polish all glassware and bar tools
  • Fill ice bins; check CO2 levels on draft lines

Closing Tasks

  • Complete liquor count; log variance from opening
  • Dump ice bins; clean and sanitize ice wells
  • Cover and refrigerate all perishable garnishes
  • Break down speed rail; wipe bar surface thoroughly
  • Flush and sanitize all draft beer lines
  • Run glass rack through dishwasher; store inverted
  • Lock liquor cabinets; secure POS terminal
  • Drop cash and submit end-of-night sales report

Manager / Shift Lead

Accountability & compliance

Opening Tasks

  • Verify all staff are on time; cover no-shows
  • Open and count all cash drawers; log totals
  • Walk all areas: dining room, kitchen, bar, restrooms
  • Conduct pre-shift meeting; communicate daily goals
  • Review open reservations and VIP notes
  • Confirm all vendor deliveries received and signed
  • Check and sign off on all role-based opening checklists
  • Verify alarm system is deactivated; document entry time

Closing Tasks

  • Sign off on all role-based closing checklists
  • Count and reconcile all cash drawers
  • Make bank deposit or secure safe drop
  • Conduct final walk-through of all areas
  • Review and submit daily sales summary
  • Log any incidents, guest complaints, or staff issues
  • Set alarm system and verify all exits are locked
  • Confirm next-day reservations and staffing schedule

Go Digital — It’s Free

Replace paper with smart checklists your whole team can actually use.

Sideworks turns these print templates into real-time digital workflows. Assign by role, track completions live, receive manager alerts, and maintain a full audit trail.

Unlimited checklistsDigital sign-offsTimestamps & audit trailManager alertsFree forever
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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should restaurant opening and closing checklists be updated?

Review checklists quarterly or any time your menu, equipment, or health code requirements change. Digital tools like Sideworks let managers update checklists instantly across all devices — no reprinting required.

What’s the difference between FOH and BOH checklists?

FOH checklists focus on the guest experience — table setup, cleanliness, POS readiness, and service flow. BOH checklists prioritize food safety, equipment operation, sanitation, and prep accuracy. Both are essential to a smooth service.

Should managers check off their own closing checklist?

Yes. The manager closing checklist is a final accountability layer — not just a sign-off on others’ work. It includes cash reconciliation, incident logging, and ensuring all security protocols are completed before the building is locked.

Can I customize these checklists for my restaurant?

Absolutely. Every concept is different. Sideworks lets you create unlimited custom checklists per role, location, or shift — with digital sign-offs, timestamps, and manager approval workflows. Free to start at sideworks.ai.

Are these checklists compliant with food safety regulations?

These templates incorporate standard ServSafe and FDA Food Code best practices (FIFO, temperature logging, sanitation standards). Always verify against your local health department’s current requirements for full compliance.

How do digital checklists improve on paper?

Digital checklists in Sideworks give you real-time completion tracking, automatic timestamps, photo attachments, push notifications for missed tasks, and a full audit history — all accessible from any device. Paper can’t give you any of that.