Restaurant Opening Checklist (That You’ll Actually Want to Use)

There’s nothing like the quiet right before a restaurant wakes up. The chairs are still on the tables, the lights are off, and the espresso machine is giving you the side-eye because it knows you forgot to clean it last night.

Whether you’re a manager opening solo or the first one clocking in, the beginning of the shift sets the tone for everything that follows. Nail the basics, and the service runs smoothly. Miss a few key steps, and you’re playing catch-up all day.

Read: Mastering Restaurant Operations: A Complete Guide

That’s why a good opening checklist changes the game. It’s built from real-life routines in real-life restaurants – the kind where service matters, time is tight, and nobody wants to hear “we’re out of forks” again.

Unlock, Lights On, and Quick Walkthrough

First things first: get in, take a deep breath, and flip the switches.

• Unlock the doors and disarm the alarm

• Turn on lights in front and back of the house

• Walk through the whole space and check for anything weird (leaks, smells, stuff out of place)

• Set the music and adjust the temperature – yes, it makes a difference

Kitchen Kick-Off: Equipment, Temps, and Prep

If the back of house isn’t ready, nothing’s ready. Get those burners lit.

• Turn on ovens, fryers, grills, and hood vents

• Check fridge/freezer temperatures and document them (especially if your inspector loves surprises)

• Refill prep stations: garnishes, sauces, utensils, cutting boards

• Double-check your mise en place list and start any preparations needed before service

Front of House Setup: Set the Stage

This is where first impressions are made. Or broken.

• Wipe down and reset all tables

• Polish glasses, restock silverware and napkins

• Refill water jugs, condiments, and anything guests touch

• Power up POS terminals and make sure they’re working

• Review reservations, walk-ins, and VIPs

Cleanliness Check

Nobody notices when it’s clean, but they always notice when it’s not.

• Restrooms: stocked, scrubbed, and ready

• Trash bins emptied, liners replaced

• Floors swept and mopped (yes, even under the host stand)

• Hand sanitizer stations topped up

• High-touch surfaces wiped down (think door handles, POS screens)

Cleaning tasks are a lot easier to track when you don’t rely on memory or sticky notes. Just sayin’.

Team Huddle: Align Before the Rush

Gather the crew. It only takes five minutes, and it can change the whole shift.

• Go over the shift plan: who’s where, and who’s doing what

• Review today’s specials, 86’d items, or new procedures

• Remind staff of promotions, large parties, or anything unusual

• Quick morale boost: compliment something that went great yesterday

Manager moment: “Let’s make today easy for each other and awesome for the guests.” Simple. Effective.

Final Checks… and Open the Doors

• Double-check the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and host stand

• Make sure everything’s stocked, turned on, and in its place

• Unlock the doors, smile, and let the day begin

This is where all your prep pays off. The only surprise you want is someone ordering a second dessert.

Bonus: Want to Ditch the Paper Checklist?

Here’s the thing: paper checklists get lost. Whiteboards get ignored. And sticky notes… well, they fall off.

With Bitreport, you can:

• Digitize your daily opening tasks

• Assign responsibilities by role or person

• Log issues (with photos) and track progress in real time

• Stay consistent – across shifts, locations, and teams

All from your phone or tablet. No clipboard required. You don’t have to micromanage if your tools do the heavy lifting.

Final Thoughts

The best restaurants don’t just run on talent – they run on routine. Opening right means fewer surprises, better service, and a team that’s actually ready when the first guest walks in.

If you’re still juggling checklists in your head or scribbling tasks on napkins, there’s a better way. With tools like Bitreport, restaurant openings are smoother, smarter, and much less chaotic.