What is a Restaurant Procedures Checklist?

A restaurant procedures checklist is a tool used to ensure that all the tasks involved in operating a restaurant and providing exceptional customer service are delivered across all shifts from opening till closing. Also called a restaurant daily checklist, it helps managers perform regular walkthroughs before opening, during operations, and before closing to make sure that the establishment is at par with the restaurant’s standards.

How to Conduct Daily Restaurant Opening Checks

Daily restaurant checks can be routinary but they are vital to proactively catch issues before they become problematic. Here are some steps to follow when conducting daily restaurant checks:

Begin with the right checklist

With all the things to check during restaurant opening and closing, it is best to have a reliable restaurant daily checklist. Use restaurant checklists as a guide so that you do not miss anything when checking all areas of the restaurant at opening or closing.

Do a visual check

Look at the overall setup of the restaurant and ensure that what you see is indeed the intended look, ambiance, or seating arrangement for the day. Rearrange the setup of tables, chairs, and decorations, when appropriate, to fit any special occasions such as booked events.

Look closely

After you have checked the overview of the restaurant’s setup, it is time to look closely at the minute but important details in different areas of the restaurant. Check for wobbling tables and chairs and inspect the cleanliness of the table linens. Check the condition of the glassware, cutlery, and other items that customers are going to see. Anything that is not at par with the restaurant’s standards must be corrected.

Check the restaurant’s equipment

Is the cooler functioning? Are all the light bulbs working? Is the HVAC providing the desired temperature? Is the POS system working properly? Make sure that all the equipment used at the restaurant are in good working condition.

Ensure cleanliness

Maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant is vital to maintaining the business. From the restaurant’s entrance to the floor, walls, curtains, linens, equipment, and utensils, as well as the staff’s attire—everything should be checked for cleanliness.

Brief the staff and make notes

Record observations and corrections made during the restaurant check. Note not only the areas for improvement found but also record those deemed worthy of commendation. Good recordkeeping can be a good source of determining the most common errors and corrections made as well as a basis for periodic announcements of best workers.

Restaurant Daily Checklists

Restaurant Opening Checklist

This Restaurant Opening Checklist can be used daily by the store manager or shift supervisor before commencement of operations. Evaluate all restaurant equipment and materials like tables, chairs, glassware, air conditioners, curtains, walls, telephones, etc. Gather and brief your staff regarding the operational responsibilities. Ensure everyone has service kits and is properly groomed. Use iAuditor’s camera feature to take photos of areas that need improvement.

You can download this restaurant opening checklist as PDF if you prefer but we do encourage you to use the digital checklist on the iAuditor mobile app to reap the full benefits of conducting daily restaurant checks with a powerful inspection software used worldwide. Download template here.

Restaurant Closing Checklist

Before closing the restaurant doors, it is important to quickly inspect all items and create a report of any issues you had for the day. Start by evaluating cutlery, glassware, and crockery which need to be washed and shifted to dish wash. Next, check counters, tables, chairs, and appliances. Record any breakages that have occurred. Deposit items left by guests in the Lost & Found section. Determine any discrepancies in checks. Turn off lights and powered electrical equipment. Lock doors and windows. Use iAuditor to replace your daily paper form, perform all inspections on your mobile, automatically save all reports online in the cloud. Download template here.

Daily Restaurant Cleaning Checklist

Use this Daily Restaurant Cleaning Checklist to inspect front and back of the house every day. This will help to make sure your restaurant is clean, sanitized, and in order. Use iAuditor the world’s most powerful inspection app to capture photo evidence of dirty areas and facilities. Download template here.

Source: Safety Culture