Operations / Daily operation
Restaurant Opening Checklist
Work through the essential front-of-house, kitchen, menu, and team checks before service begins.
At a glance
Ready for the next shift
This daily checklist gives the opening team one place to work through the checks that make a service-ready restaurant. Use it before opening doors, then have the manager review anything incomplete or unusual.
Best for
Managers and opening staff
Format
Printable checklist
Use
Before each service
A4 / Letter friendly
Practical steps
How to use this resource
Follow these steps before putting the template into regular use.
Prepare a working copy
Print one copy for each opening shift or keep it in an operations binder.
Assign each section
Assign sections to the people responsible for them before work begins.
Tailor it to the site
Add location-specific tasks, equipment checks, and opening times.
Record issues early
Record shortages, faults, or follow-up work in the notes area.
Review before service
Have a manager review incomplete items before service starts.
Printable resource
Daily Opening Checklist
Use the complete template below, or download the printable PDF for your operations binder.
Exterior and entrance
- Unlock required entrances
- Inspect exterior and entry area
- Check exterior signage and opening-hours notice
- Remove overnight debris
- Check entrance lighting
Front of house
- Turn on lights and set music to an appropriate level
- Check tables, chairs, floors, and guest areas
- Set tables where applicable
- Check restrooms and refill service stations
- Confirm menus are clean and current
POS and payments
- Start POS terminals
- Check receipt paper and card terminals
- Confirm cash drawer where applicable
- Test printers
- Confirm internet and network connectivity
Kitchen and prep
- Check refrigeration and required temperature logs
- Turn on required equipment
- Review prep list and stock levels
- Confirm unavailable items
- Check cleaning and sanitizer stations
Menu and ordering channels
- Confirm prices and specials
- Update sold-out items
- Check QR menu and website menu
- Check delivery-platform availability where applicable
Team
- Confirm staffing
- Review bookings and orders
- Review specials and unavailable items
- Assign stations
- Conduct a pre-shift briefing
Manager sign-off
Date
Location
Manager
Opening time
Completed time
Notes
Signature
Download the printable checklist
Print it for your manager station, opening folder, clipboard, or staff operations binder.
Nommy tools
Related tools and products
Use these Nommy tools and products alongside this resource.
Restaurant Operations Kit
Keep every routine
within reach
Download ready-to-use restaurant checklists, logs, trackers, and worksheets that help your team run smoother shifts.
Download Operations KitMore resources
Related resources
Continue with the next practical resource for your team.
Restaurant Closing Checklist
Close down guest areas, the kitchen, menu channels, and handover notes in a clear, consistent order.
Restaurant Shift Handover Sheet
Hand over the service details, shortages, issues, and priorities the next shift needs to know.
Restaurant Menu Update Checklist
Check the content, operations, and every customer-facing channel when a menu changes.
Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Plan and record practical cleaning tasks by frequency, area, and assigned person.