Restaurant Opening Checklist: Daily Opening Duties

A practical daily sequence for preparing the building, dining room, systems, kitchen, and team before the first guests arrive.

Category: Hospitality & Food Service
Subcategory: Restaurants & Cafes

OpeningDailyOperations

Checklist

10 items

Step 1: Unlock doors and disable alarm system
Step 2: Turn on lights, signage, music, and climate control
Step 3: Start POS systems and verify connectivity
Step 4: Check dining area cleanliness
Step 5: Wipe down tables, chairs, menus, and host stand
Step 6: Stock host stand with menus and waitlist tools
Step 7: Verify staff attendance and section assignments
Step 8: Check restrooms for cleanliness and supplies
Step 9: Start kitchen prep and required equipment
Step 10: Review reservations, large parties, and special notes

Completed by:

Date:

Notes

Who should use this checklist?

Opening managers can use this checklist with front-of-house and back-of-house leads. Split the work by role, while keeping a manager responsible for the final readiness and safety walkthrough.

When should it be completed?

Begin according to equipment warm-up, prep, delivery, and staffing needs. Complete all guest-facing, food-safety, and system checks before opening, then document exceptions for the manager on duty.

How to use the checklist

Create separate owners for building, dining room, POS, kitchen, and staffing readiness.
Sequence equipment startup and prep work around manufacturer guidance and food-safety policy.
Review reservations, unavailable items, large parties, and maintenance issues in the pre-shift meeting.