Restaurant Closing Checklist
Complete at the end of each business day.
- Industry: Food & Hospitality
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Closing Manager / Shift Lead
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: Health Department, Company SOP
Food Safety
Secure all food items.
- All food properly stored?
- Final temperatures recorded?
- Prepared items dated and labeled?
- Expired items removed?
Cleaning
Complete closing cleaning.
- Kitchen thoroughly cleaned?
- Grill/cooking surfaces cleaned?
- Floors swept and mopped?
- Dining area cleaned?
- Restrooms cleaned?
- Trash taken out?
Equipment
Secure all equipment.
- Non-essential equipment turned off?
- Ovens and fryers off?
- Refrigeration running properly?
Security
Secure the restaurant.
- Cash counted and secured?
- POS system closed out?
- All doors locked?
- Alarm system armed?
Pre-Inspection Information
Initial inspection details and documentation
- Inspector Name
- Inspection Date
- Location / Kitchen Area
- Inspection Type (Routine/Follow-up/Complaint)
- Previous inspection date and findings reviewed?
Temperature Control & Monitoring
Verify all temperature-sensitive equipment and food items
- Refrigerator temperature at or below 41°F (5°C)?
- Freezer temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C)?
- Hot holding foods at or above 135°F (57°C)?
- Thermometers calibrated and functional?
- Temperature logs current and properly maintained?
Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention
Proper food handling practices and contamination prevention
- Proper handwashing observed (20 seconds, soap)?
- Gloves used properly for ready-to-eat foods?
- Raw and cooked foods properly separated?
- Color-coded cutting boards used correctly?
- Allergen cross-contact controls in place?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Restaurant Opening Checklist
- Commercial Kitchen Closing Checklist
- Bar Opening Checklist
- Food & Hospitality Food Temperature Log
- Hotel Room Inspection
- Room Inspection Checklist
- Checkout Room Cleaning
Related Daily Operations Checklists
- Restaurant Opening Checklist - FREE Download
- Commercial Kitchen Closing Checklist - FREE Download
- Bar Opening Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Restaurant Closing Checklist?
This restaurant closing checklist helps food & hospitality teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for closing manager / shift lead professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with Health Department, Company SOP. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Restaurant Closing Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 7 sections: Food Safety, Cleaning, Equipment, Security, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention. It is designed for food & hospitality operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Restaurant Closing Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Closing Manager / Shift Lead professionals in the food & hospitality industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.