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    Checklist

    Opening & Closing Checklists

    Customizable daily checklists for smooth shift transitions. Ensure nothing gets missed and every shift starts and ends right.

    Will Baric

    Will Baric

    Former hospitality operator writing about restaurant hiring, training, and operations.

    Opening Checklist

    FOH Manager Tasks

    Turn on lights and HVAC
    Check voicemails and emails
    Count and verify cash drawer
    Check reservations for the day
    Review daily specials with kitchen
    Set up POS stations
    Check restrooms and restock supplies
    Brief staff on VIPs and special events

    Closing Checklist

    FOH Manager Tasks

    Complete end-of-day sales reports
    Count and secure cash drawer
    Wipe down and sanitize all surfaces
    Check and restock stations
    Turn off equipment and appliances
    Set alarms and lock all doors
    Complete closing manager checklist
    Submit daily incident reports

    Why Checklists Are Non-Negotiable

    In the chaos of restaurant operations, it's easy for things to slip through the cracks. A forgotten task at opening can cascade into problems all day. A missed step at closing can mean safety risks or spoiled inventory overnight.

    Restaurant staff preparing for service

    Customizing These Checklists

    Every restaurant is different. These checklists are designed as starting points. Here's how to make them work for you:

    • Add role-specific tasks: Create separate checklists for managers, hosts, bartenders, and kitchen staff
    • Include time estimates: Help staff understand how long each section should take
    • Add your specific equipment: List exact machines, systems, and areas in your restaurant
    • Include sign-off requirements: Specify which tasks need manager verification

    Digital vs. Paper Checklists

    While paper checklists work, digital checklists offer significant advantages:

    • Real-time visibility for managers (even when not on-site)
    • Timestamp tracking for accountability
    • Photo attachments for verification
    • Historical data for pattern identification
    • Automatic reminders and escalations

    Go Digital with Garnysh

    Turn paper checklists into trackable digital tasks. Get real-time completion status, photo verification, and automatic manager alerts.

    Book a Demo

    What's Included

    • FOH Opening Checklist
    • FOH Closing Checklist
    • BOH Opening Checklist
    • BOH Closing Checklist
    • Manager Sign-off Sheet
    • Weekly Deep Clean Schedule

    Related Resources

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