Shift Opening and Closing Checklist

What a good one includes

• A chronological sequence of physical setup tasks, such as turning on equipment, unlocking doors, and setting up service stations.
• Clear cash-handling protocols, including counting the starting till, securing cash drops, and running the end-of-day POS reports.
• Critical safety and sanitation checkpoints, such as verifying food temperatures, sanitizing high-touch surfaces, and locking external exit doors.
• A restocking guide that outlines exactly what inventory, linens, or supplies need replenishment for the incoming shift.
• A dedicated section for handover notes to communicate guest issues, maintenance needs, or VIP arrivals to the next team.
• Power-down procedures for heavy machinery, POS terminals, and lighting to reduce utility costs and prevent safety hazards overnight.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing vague tasks like 'clean the area' instead of specifying concrete actions like 'sweep, mop, and sanitize the prep tables.'
• Forgetting to assign specific timeframes to tasks, which leads to rushed closings or delayed openings.
• Failing to update the checklist when menu items, physical layouts, or software systems change.
• Ignoring the physical flow of the building, forcing staff to walk back and forth unnecessarily to complete tasks.

Frequently asked questions