Catering Setup Checklist
This checklist standardizes catering setup checklist to improve consistency, accountability, and inspection readiness. Use it to document daily controls, verify critical limits, and capture corrective actions for audits.
- Industry: Restaurants
- Frequency: As Needed
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Executive Chef
- Total Items: 45
- Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 (Means of Egress)
Opening/Setup & Readiness
Verify access, staffing, equipment readiness, and opening tasks before service.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
Food Safety & HACCP Controls
Confirm time/temperature controls, cross-contamination prevention, and allergen safeguards.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Critical temperature recorded
- Photo evidence
Sanitation & Cleaning
Verify cleaning schedule, sanitizer concentration, and pest-prevention cleanliness.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
Service & Guest Experience
Confirm speed, accuracy, hospitality standards, and queue management.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
Cash, POS & Order Accuracy
Verify POS readiness, cash controls, discounts, voids, and order accuracy.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Cash drawer variance
- Notes
Inventory, Receiving & Storage
Verify receiving temps, FIFO, labeling, storage separation, and par levels.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Critical temperature recorded
- Photo evidence
Safety, Fire & Compliance
Verify egress, extinguishers, hood/ansul readiness, and staff safety practices.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Photo evidence
Maintenance & Work Orders
Capture equipment issues, downtime risks, and service tickets.
- SOP followed with no skipped steps?
- Any issues found that require manager escalation?
- Corrective action taken and documented?
- Time spent on this section
- Notes
QA, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off
Confirm quality, document issues, and capture manager sign-off for accountability.
- QA walkthrough completed?
- Any critical issues still open?
- Overall shift risk level
- Manager Signature
- Team Lead Signature
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
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- Ghost Kitchen Operations Checklist
- India Restaurant Hygiene Inspection Checklist
- Brazil Restaurant Vigilância Sanitária Checklist
- Grill Station Setup Checklist
- Fry Station Setup Checklist
- Sauté Station Setup Checklist
- Prep Station Setup Checklist
Related Restaurant Operations Checklists
- Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - FREE Download
- Daily Closing Checklist (Front of House) - FREE Download
- Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - Restaurant Checklist - FREE Download
- Bar Opening Setup - FREE Download
- FOH Closing Checklist - FREE Download
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- Restaurant Restroom Check - FREE Download
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Why Use This Catering Setup Checklist?
This catering setup checklist helps restaurants teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for executive chef professionals, this checklist covers 45 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: as needed.
Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 (Means of Egress). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Catering Setup Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 45 inspection items across 9 sections: Opening/Setup & Readiness, Food Safety & HACCP Controls, Sanitation & Cleaning, Service & Guest Experience, Cash, POS & Order Accuracy, Inventory, Receiving & Storage, Safety, Fire & Compliance, Maintenance & Work Orders, QA, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off. It is designed for restaurants operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed as needed. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Catering Setup Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Executive Chef professionals in the restaurants 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.