Mastering the art of running a restaurant involves juggling numerous tasks. One misstep, and chaos can engulf your esteemed establishment!
That’s precisely why having a dedicated checklist in place is a game-changer. So in this post, we’re here to share valuable tricks to create opening and closing checklists tailored specifically for your gastronomic haven.
Steps to Create Restaurant Opening and Closing Shift Checklist
The primary goal of implementing checklists in your restaurant or cafe is to ensure that every nook and cranny in the premise is in order at the start and end of each operation.
1. List all of tasks required in your restaurant
Gather your dedicated team members and list all the tasks that need to be completed before and after your daily operations.
Remember, every restaurant is unique, so tailor your checklist to suit the specific needs and quirks of your establishment. However, here are some fundamental tasks that are universally vital:
- Conduct a thorough inspection of utensils, from plates and bowls to spoons and forks, ensuring their spotless cleanliness.
- Check all your air conditioning units and fans are functioning.
- Check all supplies of fresh ingredients, restock any that’s running low for the day.
- Check that your POS system is up and running smoothly, with a solid internet connection.
- Throw out garbage and clean all trash cans.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces and your floors.
2. Divide and Conquer
Once you’ve listed out all tasks, it’s time to allocate them to your staff members, based on their roles, departments, or shifts.
Give your list a thorough examination, considering the frequency, significance, and interrelatedness of tasks. This will ensure a seamless distribution of responsibilities, keeping your team synchronized and on top of their game.
Creating a restaurant checklist is a piece of cake! Create two separate checklists for opening and closing shifts, and categorize the tasks as follows:
Opening Shift Checklist
- Front of house
- Back of house
- Management
Closing Shift Checklist
- Front of house
- Back of house
- Management
3. Share the checklist with all your staff
Once you’ve crafted your restaurant checklist, it’s time to enlighten your entire team about its purpose.
Don’t leave any team member in the dark! Ensure that even your newest recruits are well-acquainted with the checklist and understand how it contributes to the smooth sailing of your restaurant operation..
4. Ensure the checklist is organized and kept in safe spots.
Now that your checklist is ready to rock ‘n’ roll, make sure it is arranged systematically. Keep a printed copy in a file, or place it in relevant spots based on tasks.
But here’s a smarter alternative! Utilize digital platforms like the Notes app on an iPad to create a digital checklist. This allows for easy collaboration and synchronization among your workforce.
Sample Checklist for the Opening Shift
You can assign the tasks according to relevant departments either front of house, back of house, and the management.
General tasks
- Ensure no unfinished tasks from the previous day’s closing checklist.
- Prep kitchen equipment and cooking ingredients.
- Preheat stoves, ovens, fryers, etc.
- Restock cooking station ingredients.
- Refill dressings, sauces, and seasonings.
- Retrieve ingredients from the refrigerator.
Cleaning tasks
- Empty the dishwasher from the previous shift.
- Ensure an adequate supply of cleaning materials and clean clothes.
- Ensure all surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized.
Example Checklist for Shift Closing
General tasks
- Turn off all lights.
- Turn off switches/gas for ovens, grills, kitchen, and hot surfaces.
- Store all kitchen and dining utensils (spoons, forks, plates, bowls, glasses, pots, pans).
- Wrap and store leftover cooking ingredients for future use.
Cleaning tasks
- Clean all kitchen and dining utensils (spoons, forks, plates, bowls, glasses, pots, pans).
- Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
- Dispose of all trash and clean garbage bins.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces and the floor.
By implementing these opening and closing checklists in your restaurant, you can ensure that your operations run smoothly, your staff stays organized, and your customers enjoy a pleasant dining experience.
