Restaurant Opening Checklist
Complete before service to ensure restaurant is ready for guests.
- Industry: Food & Hospitality
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Manager / Opening Staff
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: Health Department, Company SOP, Fire Code
Kitchen Readiness
Prepare kitchen for service.
- All cooking equipment turned on and functional?
- Walk-in cooler/freezer temperatures verified?
- Prep work completed?
- All stations stocked?
- Sanitizer buckets set up?
Front of House
Prepare dining area.
- Tables set and clean?
- Floors swept and mopped?
- Restrooms clean and stocked?
- POS system operational?
- Music and lighting set?
Safety Checks
Verify safety items.
- Emergency exits clear?
- Fire extinguisher accessible?
- First aid kit accessible?
- Required staff present?
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?
Food Storage & Labeling
Proper storage, rotation, and labeling of food items
- FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation followed?
- All items properly date-labeled?
- Food stored 6 inches off floor?
- No expired products in storage?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Commercial Kitchen Closing Checklist
- Bar Opening Checklist
- Restaurant Closing Checklist
- Food Delivery Temperature Log
- Hotel Room Inspection Checklist
- Food & Hospitality Food Temperature Log
- Hotel Room Inspection