QSR Opening Checklist
This checklist standardizes qsr opening checklist to improve consistency, accountability, and inspection readiness. Use it to document daily controls, verify critical limits, and capture corrective actions for audits. Built for FDA Food Code 2022 alignment and common health department inspection points.
- Industry: Restaurants
- Frequency: As Needed
- Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
- Role: Franchise Compliance Manager
- Total Items: 45
- Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022
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
- QSR Closing Checklist
- Fast Casual Opening Checklist
- Fast Casual Closing Checklist
- Fine Dining Opening Checklist
- Fine Dining Closing Checklist
- Bar Opening - Restaurant Checklist
- Bar Closing - Restaurant Checklist
- Food Truck Daily Operations 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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Why Use This QSR Opening Checklist?
This qsr opening checklist helps restaurants teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for franchise compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 45 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: as needed.
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the QSR Opening 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 25-40 minutes.
Who should use this QSR Opening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Franchise Compliance Manager 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.