Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - Restaurant Checklist

Complete before service begins.

  • Industry: Food & Hospitality
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: FOH Manager / Shift Lead
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: Health Department, Restaurant Standards

Dining Area

Prepare dining room.

  • All tables properly set?
  • Floors clean?
  • Restrooms clean and stocked?
  • Lighting and music set?
  • Menus clean and available?

Host Station

Prepare host station.

  • Reservation list printed/reviewed?
  • Seating chart ready?
  • Entrance area clean?

Service Stations

Stock service areas.

  • Silverware stations stocked?
  • Beverage station ready?
  • Condiments filled and clean?

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?

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Why Use This Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - Restaurant Checklist?

This daily opening checklist (front of house) - restaurant checklist helps food & hospitality teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for foh manager / shift lead professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with Health Department, Restaurant Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - Restaurant Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 7 sections: Dining Area, Host Station, Service Stations, 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 Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - Restaurant Checklist?

This checklist is designed for FOH 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.

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