Restaurant Closing Checklist: 10 Steps To Follow

Are you wondering what should be included in your restaurant closing checklist as you shut down the restaurant at the end of the day? Usually, a restaurant closing checklist should aim to include all the tasks that ensures the restaurant is clean, secure, and ready to serve customers the next day. 

However, what if you miss something? Panic may start to set in right after you realize you may have forgotten something important. Every restaurant owner has faced such situations at least once in a lifetime. Fortunately, a restaurant closing checklist can help minimize the chances of it happening again.

What is a Restaurant Closing Checklist?

A restaurant closing checklist is a list of tasks that needs to be completed by the time the outlet is closed by the end of the day. This helps ensure that the restaurant is ready to welcome and serve more customers the next day. 

The checklist is considered crucial because it helps you stay focused and organized. This also makes it easier for you to get your work done each day while ensuring no tasks are missed or forgotten. Best of all, you can create your customized restaurant closing checklist that specifically caters to your business needs.

Additional benefits of such a structured closing process include:

• The checklist ensures that all pending tasks are completed before the restaurant closes for the night. This helps avoid problems like food spoilage or equipment damage.
• It improves communication between employees and the restaurant management. This ensures that everyone is on the same page when completing their tasks
• It helps create a sense of accountability among all restaurant employees. This leads to fewer mistakes and improved performance.

Let’s discuss some important steps to follow when creating your restaurant closing checklist.

What Are the Key Steps in a Restaurant Closing Checklist?

Keeping a restaurant hygienic and clean is crucial for the satisfaction of the customers including their health. That is why it is necessary to follow a restaurant closing checklist that ensures every task is completed on time and with perfection. Now, here is a look at the key steps associated with a restaurant closing checklist for your understanding. For a deeper dive into how to streamline and optimize your restaurant’s procedures, check out our Restaurant Operations Checklist: The Complete Guide.

Step 1: Clean the Dining Area

The dining area is the most important part of any restaurant. So, the first thing on this checklist is to ensure this area is well maintained for the next day. The requirements include:

• Wipe Down Tables and Chairs

Use a clean piece of cloth to wipe down all tables and chairs. Check all the furniture for damage and replace it if necessary. 

• Sweep and Mop Floors

Clean the floors using a surface or glass spray cleaner. You can also try using a sanitizer solution or bleach for cleaning. 

• Reset Tables for the Next Day

Nobody wants to enter a messed restaurant with furniture scattered all around. So, make sure to rearrange all tables and chairs before shutting down for the day. 

• Check and Clean Restrooms

Use a bathroom cleaner and a toilet brush to clean the restrooms. Ensure there is an adequate water supply, toilet paper, hand sanitizers, and tissue paper for the next day. 

Step 2: Clean the Kitchen

Your kitchen area must be cleared of all unwanted materials and waste items for the next day. 

• Dispose of Food Waste Properly

Discard all food items and waste materials in their designated bins. This helps you maintain a hygienic environment for food preparation the next day. 

• Clean and Sanitize Cooking Surfaces and Equipment

Sanitize all kitchen equipment, such as grills, ovens, and fryers. This will enable you to maintain food safety standards and prevent bacteria and grease from forming around the kitchen. 

• Store Leftover Ingredients

The best way to store leftover ingredients is in airtight containers. Remember to label them so that they are easy to find. You can refrigerate meat and dairy items to keep them fresh for the next day.

Step 3: Check and Secure Inventory

It is always recommended to keep a tab on your restaurant’s goods, products, or materials to ensure everything is in place for further operations. The requirements include:

• Count and Secure Inventory Levels

Take an account of all your food and beverage items so that you do not run out of supplies for the next day. It also helps you prevent theft and waste of necessary items. 

• Lock Up Valuable Items

Secure all valuable items, such as liquor and cash, in safe storage areas. This helps minimize the risk of theft and ensures your valuables remain protected. 

Step 4: Review and Restock Supplies

It is not uncommon for a restaurant to run out of supplies. However, you can avoid such situations by restocking goods beforehand. The requirements include:

• Check Levels of Cleaning Supplies, Napkins, Condiments, etc.

Review all the supplies you have, including your cleaning items, napkins, food ingredients, and other raw materials. Restock whichever items are missing so thay you don’t fall short of them. 

• Replace Expired Items

There is a chance that some of your items may have expired over time. So, the best thing to do is replace such materials to ensure a healthy approach to serving your customers. 

Step 5: Balance the Cash Register

You must keep track of your earnings every day and record them in online software. This helps ensure you do not miss out on any calculations. Other requirements include:

• Count Cash and Credit Card Receipts

Record your earnings by counting the cash and credit card receipts for the day. Note down the numbers for a better understanding. 

• Record the Day’s Earnings

Do not forget to record the earnings of your day in a logbook or an excel sheet. You can use this data and calculate all the earnings at the end of the month. 

• Prepare Deposit for the Bank

It’s not a good practice to keep all the cash inside the restaurant’s locker or your home. So, it’s wise to deposit some of the amount in the bank.

Step 6: Secure The Premises

Your restaurant may already have security cameras installed. However, it is still necessary to secure the premises by ensuring the following is in place:

• Lock all Doors and Windows

Secure all your doors and windows by locking them. This helps secure your premises from unfavorable weather conditions. 

• Set the Alarm System

The alarm system of your restaurant helps keep away burglars and robbers. So, make sure to switch it on before you leave the premises. 

Step 7: Review Reservations and Prepare for the Next Day

Nowadays, customers prefer to make table bookings and reservations a day prior to visiting your restaurant. It means you must prepare beforehand for the following:

• Check Upcoming Reservations

The first thing to do is check the upcoming reservations for your restaurant. This enables you to get things ready before the customers arrive at your restaurant. For instance, you may consider purchasing raw materials or food ingredients to prepare some dishes in advance. 

• Plan Staff Schedules

Consider rearranging the shift timings of your staff members to ensure they are available during the scheduled visits. Make sure to assign them relevant duties to avoid confusion at the last moment. 

Step 8: Conduct a Final Walkthrough

There is nothing wrong with rechecking everything twice before finally closing down your restaurant. This involves some additional requirements, which include:

• Double-check all Areas

Take a look around the ambience of your restaurant to ensure you have not left out any necessary things. Analyze whether you have everything to get started with your next day. 

• Ensure Nothing is Left On

Double-check whether you have switched off all the lights, air conditioners, and other electrical equipment. Check if you have switched off your stoves, cylinders, and ovens, too. 

Step 9: Record Closing Notes

It is a good practice to keep some closing notes with you to ensure you do not miss out on things before calling it a day. This involves fulfilling the following requirements:

• Note Any Issues or Observations

Make sure to note down any issues you notice inside your restaurant. For isntance a fused bulb or a water leakage problem inside one of the restrooms. Noting these things down helps you resolve the issues with utmost priority.. 

• Communicate with the Morning Staff

Shift changes are common in restaurants. So, it is your responsibility to inform the staff about the food to be prepared, pending tasks, and other activities to keep up with the operations.

Step 10: Reflect and Improve

Look back at the errors made during the day and make a plan to improve them for the future. 

• Gather Feedback from Staff

Organize a small meeting with the staff members to ensure they have everything they need for the next day. This involves ensuring that they have all the raw materials and supplies to prepare dishes.

• Update the Checklist as Needed

Revisit your current checklist and make necessary adjustments according to your restaurant’s requirements. This involves adding some new tasks or removing older ones. Make sure to inform your team about the changes, too. 

Final Thoughts

Restaurant closing checklists can be a helpful part of the day-to-day management of your respective businesses. They can help you keep your staff accountable for closing tasks. It also enables you to clear up any confusion about how things should be done. Discover why investing in software is a must-have for optimizing your business in our guide: Why Restaurant Management Software is a Must-Have!

So, it is recommended to follow the steps associated with a restaurant closing checklist and ensuring your operations are in place everyday.