Skip to worksheet
Free restaurant toolsNew concepts

Restaurant Pre-Opening Checklist

Put the operating work behind opening day into one checklist. Record what is ready, what needs attention, and who is responsible.

How to use this worksheet

  1. Work through the stages in the order that matches your project.
  2. Mark complete only when the deliverable has been checked, not merely discussed.
  3. This operating checklist does not replace your local permitting, construction, or regulatory requirements.

Free to use. No registration. Inputs stay in your browser unless you choose to include your results with a demo request. Device saving is optional; avoid saving sensitive information on a shared device.

Your worksheet

Concept & economics

01 / The concept, guest, and service model are defined.

Agree on what the restaurant serves and how guests buy it.

Add owner, due date, or notes
02 / The opening budget and working-capital plan are reviewed.

Include the resources needed after the doors open.

Add owner, due date, or notes

Menu & kitchen

03 / Recipes, portions, yields, and prices are documented.

Use current ingredient quotes and tested recipes.

Add owner, due date, or notes
04 / Storage, prep, stations, and handoffs have been tested.

Walk food through receiving to service.

Add owner, due date, or notes

Suppliers & systems

05 / Suppliers, delivery days, and ordering owners are confirmed.

Check order cutoffs and backup plans.

Add owner, due date, or notes
06 / Opening stock and inventory counting are planned.

Avoid buying without storage and production assumptions.

Add owner, due date, or notes
07 / POS items, modifiers, taxes, and routing are tested.

Check configuration with the appropriate responsible professionals.

Add owner, due date, or notes

Team & training

08 / Roles, staffing, and training shifts are scheduled.

Train around actual stations and responsibilities.

Add owner, due date, or notes
09 / Opening, closing, and food-handling procedures are ready.

Give staff usable instructions and accountable supervisors.

Add owner, due date, or notes

Launch

10 / Mock service has tested the full guest journey.

Include order entry, prep, expo, service, payment, and close.

Add owner, due date, or notes
11 / Required project approvals are confirmed with local professionals.

Requirements differ by jurisdiction and project.

Add owner, due date, or notes
Explore Restaurant Startup ConsultantAll ten restaurant tools