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
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Why Use This Restaurant Opening Checklist?
This restaurant opening checklist helps food & hospitality teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for manager / opening staff professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with Health Department, Company SOP, Fire Code. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Restaurant Opening Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 7 sections: Kitchen Readiness, Front of House, Safety Checks, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. 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 Opening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Manager / Opening Staff 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.