Restaurant Closing Checklist
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A restaurant closing checklist is designed to help staff systematically close the restaurant at the end of the day, ensuring that all areas are properly cleaned, secured, and prepared for the next day’s service. It covers 27 essential closing tasks, including the following:
- Wiping down surfaces, sanitizing equipment, and ensuring hygiene throughout.
- Checking and recording inventory levels in refrigerators and other storage areas helps prevent waste and ensures adequate supplies for the next day.
- It emphasizes proper food handling and storage practices to maintain food safety standards.
- Turning off and cleaning equipment, such as coffee makers and soda dispensers, ensures their proper functioning and longevity.
- Completing end-of-day reports and documenting any relevant information for the next day’s staff ensures smooth handover and continuity.
- It includes steps like locking doors and turning off lights to ensure the restaurant’s security.
With a comprehensive restaurant checklist template, staff can ensure a smooth and efficient shutdown process, leaving it clean, organized, and prepared for the next day’s operations.
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Closing Checks
Closing Checks
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What is a Restaurant Closing Checklist?
A restaurant closing checklist is a tool to help restaurants ensure that all end-of-day tasks are completed efficiently and consistently. It serves as a step-by-step guide for restaurant staff to follow at the end of each shift, covering everything from cleaning and sanitizing to securing the premises.
This checklist typically includes tasks for both the front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
Moreover, a closing duties checklist for restaurants helps management finalize daily financials, update staff schedules, and ensure the restaurant is locked and secure. It helps restaurants maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety, streamline operations, and prepare for a smooth start the next day.
This process not only prevents potential issues but also ensures a consistent customer experience and a well-organized workspace for the staff.
What Should a Restaurant Closing Checklist include?
A restaurant closing checklist is essential for ensuring that both the front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations are properly shut down at the end of the day.
Here’s what typically goes into these checklists:
Front-of-House (FOH) Closing Checklist
A comprehensive restaurant closing checklist for the FOH area, including the dining room, bar, and entryway, lists the following tasks:
- Cleaning: Ensure all surfaces, including tables, chairs, and counters, are wiped down and sanitized. Floors should be swept and mopped, and trash bins emptied.
- Bar Maintenance: Restock liquor and other bar supplies, clean bar tools and glasses, and sanitize the bar area.
- Safety Measures: Verify that all doors and windows are securely locked. Ensure the security system is activated before leaving.
- Organization: Arrange seating, menus, and other items neatly for the next day’s operation.
- Financial Tasks: Count cash in registers, reconcile it with POS system records, and secure the funds in the safe.
Back-of-House (BOH) Closing Checklist
The BOH, where food is prepared and stored, requires a different set of tasks to ensure cleanliness and food safety. Key items on a BOH closing checklist include:
- Sanitization: Clean and sanitize all kitchen surfaces, including prep stations and equipment. Wash all used dishes, utensils, and cookware.
- Food Storage: Properly store leftovers and ingredients in labeled containers, ensuring all perishables are in the refrigerator or freezer. Check that all storage areas are pest-free and secure.
- Equipment Shutdown: Turn off all kitchen appliances, such as stoves, ovens, fryers, and grills, to prevent fire hazards.
- Inventory Check: Take inventory of ingredients and supplies, noting any items that need to be ordered. Discard any expired or spoiled ingredients.
- Waste Management: Ensure all trash is properly disposed of, and bins are cleaned and lined for the next day.
👉 Use the GoAudits app to create and manage your own digital checklists
GoAudits makes it easy to improve your operational standards with customized checklists:
- Create an account for free, choose from 100s of hospitality templates to customize.
- Alternatively, build your own checklist with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Upload your current checklist in any format, and the GoAudits team will convert it for you at no cost within 1-2 days.
How Does a Restaurant Closing Checklist Benefit Your Business?
Here’s a breakdown of how implementing such a checklist can be advantageous:
- A well-structured restaurant closing checklist ensures that every employee knows their responsibilities, reducing the chances of tasks being overlooked. It not only streamlines operations but also helps maintain a consistent level of service, essential for the smooth running of the restaurant.
- Restaurant closing procedures that include proper storage of food, checking equipment, and securing the premises are essential for maintaining food safety standards. They help prevent contamination, spoilage, and foodborne illnesses, reducing potential risks that could harm both customers and your business reputation.
- Ensuring that all appliances are turned off and that the security system is activated protects the restaurant from potential hazards like fires or break-ins.
- A restaurant closing checklist serves as a training tool, especially for new employees. It provides clear instructions on what needs to be done, ensuring that all staff members are on the same page.
- By including tasks such as turning off lights, adjusting HVAC settings, and securing valuable items, a restaurant closing checklist template can lead to significant cost savings. These routine restaurant closing procedures help reduce utility bills, prevent unnecessary wear and tear on equipment, and avoid losses due to theft or negligence.
- This checklist ensures that no task is forgotten, from cleaning and sanitizing to securing the premises. It prepares the restaurant for the next day and contributes to a clean and organized environment.
By ensuring that all areas are clean, organized, and ready for the next day, restaurants can enhance customer service and boost customer confidence and loyalty. They can trust that they will receive the same high level of service and quality each time they visit.
👉 Learn more about the GoAudits app for restaurant operations, quality & compliance.
Tips for Efficiently Completing Restaurant Closing Duties
Implementing the following strategies will help streamline the restaurant closing procedures and ensure nothing is overlooked:
- Use and Regularly Update the Restaurant Closing Checklist
A restaurant closing checklist template ensures every task is completed. Updating this checklist regularly to reflect any changes in procedures or new equipment can prevent missed steps.
- Create a Closing Routine
Start by dividing tasks into categories, such as front-of-house, back-of-house, and management duties. It ensures that each area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next day. Establishing a clear order of operations helps staff anticipate what needs to be done next, reducing downtime and minimizing errors.
- Don’t Rush Through the Process & Overlook Critical Tasks
It’s tempting to rush through closing tasks, especially after a long shift. However, this can lead to missed or poorly completed tasks, which could affect operations the following day. Encourage your staff to prioritize accuracy over speed. Critical tasks should be double-checked. Implementing a final walkthrough by a manager or supervisor can help catch any overlooked tasks.
- Time-Saving Hacks
To improve efficiency, implement time-saving hacks such as starting prep work for closing tasks before the shift ends. For instance, kitchen staff can begin cleaning and organizing during slower periods.
- Communicate with Staff
Hold a brief meeting before closing begins to outline the evening’s responsibilities and address any concerns. Ensure that all staff members are clear on their duties, and maintain open lines of communication throughout the closing process. This helps to coordinate efforts, especially during busy times and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Other Popular Restaurant Checklists:
Restaurant Operations Checklist App
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- Capture and attach photos as proof of compliance or areas needing attention.
- Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, all within a single app
- Analyze data from audits to identify trends, pinpoint recurring issues, and assess compliance levels.