In this article we will discuss the following:
- How to conduct daily restaurant checks
- A powerful inspection tool used in restaurants
- Free restaurant daily checklists you can use right away in your establishment
How to Conduct Daily Restaurant Opening Checks
Daily restaurant checks can be routinary but they are vital to proactively catch issues before they become problematic. Here are some steps to follow when conducting daily restaurant checks:
Begin with the right checklist
With all the things to check during restaurant opening and closing, it is best to have a reliable restaurant daily checklist. Use restaurant checklists as a guide so that you do not miss anything when checking all areas of the restaurant at opening or closing.
Do a visual check
Look at the overall setup of the restaurant and ensure that what you see is indeed the intended look, ambiance, or seating arrangement for the day. Rearrange the setup of tables, chairs, and decorations, when appropriate, to fit any special occasions such as booked events.
Look closely
After you have checked the overview of the restaurant’s setup, it is time to look closely at the minute but important details in different areas of the restaurant. Check for wobbling tables and chairs and inspect the cleanliness of the table linens. Check the condition of the glassware, cutlery, and other items that customers are going to see. Anything that is not at par with the restaurant’s standards must be corrected.
Check the restaurant’s equipment
Is the cooler functioning? Are all the light bulbs working? Is the HVAC providing the desired temperature? Is the POS system working properly? Make sure that all the equipment used at the restaurant are in good working condition.
Ensure cleanliness
Maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant is vital to maintaining the business. From the restaurant’s entrance, to the floor, walls, curtains, linens, equipment, and utensils, as well as the staff’s attire—everything should be checked for cleanliness.
Brief the staff and make notes
Record observations and corrections made during the restaurant check. Note not only the areas for improvement found but also record those deemed worthy of commendation. Good recordkeeping can be a good source of determining the most common errors and corrections made as well as a basis for periodic announcements of best workers.
How to use a Restaurant Operation Checklist with iAuditor
The key to effective daily restaurant checks is to actually perform them constantly. iAuditor by SafetyCulture can help restaurant managers and supervisors complete restaurant daily opening and closing checks by making the inspections easier and more effective. With the restaurant checklists on the iAuditor mobile app, you can:
- Get a timely reminder when a check is due
- Be guided with an easy to follow checklist that you can edit according to your business need
- Take photos for better context on what you find during checks
- Quickly assign tasks for immediate action
- Easily generate reports whenever a daily check is completed
- Benefit from electronic recordkeeping for easy and secure access to daily reports
- Make use of analytics to discover the most common areas for improvement and training opportunities
Get started by downloading from this free collection of restaurant opening, closing, and daily kitchen cleaning checklists. We also feature a general restaurant startup checklist you can use to ensure you are ready for the first day of operations.
Restaurant Daily Checklists
Restaurant Closing Checklist
Before closing the restaurant doors, it is important to quickly inspect all items and create a report of any issues you had for the day. Start by evaluating cutlery, glassware, and crockery which need to be washed and shifted to dish wash. Next, check counters, tables, chairs, and appliances. Record any breakages that have occurred. Deposit items left by guests in the Lost & Found section. Determine any discrepancies in checks. Turn off lights and powered electrical equipment. Lock doors and windows. Use iAuditor to replace your daily paper form, perform all inspections on your mobile, automatically save all reports online in the cloud.
Daily Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Use this Daily Restaurant Cleaning Checklist to inspect front and back of the house everyday. This will help to make sure your restaurant is clean, sanitized, and in order. Use iAuditor the world’s most powerful inspection app to capture photo evidence of dirty areas and facilities.
Restaurant Startup Checklist
This checklist is a comprehensive guide which can be used by startup businesses to ensure that all requirements are met and help confirm that the restaurant is ready to operate. Identify which items have not been accomplished and which items need focus and priority. Use iAuditor to monitor the progress of all tasks that need to be accomplished before opening a new restaurant.
