How to Create a Small Business Opening Checklist [+ Examples]

Launching a small business involves managing a lot of moving parts, meaning it’s essential to streamline processes—like daily opening—to ensure efficiency and consistency. From keeping your team stay organized to ensuring everything is ready for customers, a well-crafted opening checklist sets the tone for a successful business day. 

Checklists are powerful tools, and they work for a simple reason: people forget things. Even experienced professionals in high-stakes industries like aviation and medicine rely on checklists. Research has shown that they help compensate for memory failures, reduce the impact of stress and fatigue, and create consistency in processes.

Whether you run a restaurant, coffee shop, or retail store, having clear and actionable procedures makes opening easier and more efficient. Read on to learn how to create your own small business checklist and discover examples tailored to different types of businesses.

Key takeaways

• An opening checklist keeps your small business organized and efficient by helping your team follow consistent procedures, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

• Your opening checklist should ensure your space is clean, stocked, and ready for customers, leading to smoother operations and better first impressions.

• Tailoring your checklist to your industry—whether it’s a restaurant, coffee shop, or retail store—ensures it meets your specific operational needs.

• Assigning responsibilities and regularly updating your checklist helps your business maintain high standards, streamline training, and adapt to changes.

Why should your small business use an opening checklist?

Chris Tripoli, a restaurant industry veteran with 40 years of experience, explains the importance of checklists:

“An opening checklist serves as a reminder to perform key tasks and enables you to stay more organized during the hectic period of time that occurs each day while trying to open your restaurant.”

Here are the key reasons your small business should use an opening checklist:

• Improves efficiency: A checklist keeps employees on track, helping them complete opening tasks in a logical order without missing key steps.

• Reduces errors: Standardizing procedures minimizes the risk of oversights, such as forgetting to restock inventory, prepare equipment, or set up the POS system.

• Enhances customer experience: A well-prepared business creates a positive first impression. Clean, organized spaces and fully stocked supplies contribute to excellent customer service from the moment you open your doors.

• Supports training and accountability: New hires can rely on the checklist to learn the ropes, while managers can use it to verify that all tasks are completed properly.

• Prepares for unexpected challenges: By including checks for equipment functionality, safety measures, and inventory levels, you can address problems before opening.

• Promote safety: Restaurant owner Robert N. Rossier writes, “A safe work environment isn't something that just happens by ‘accident.’ Rather, it takes a keen eye, dedication to detail, and constant attention. We need to plan for a safe work environment, and then follow through with the steps that lead to the desired result.

How to create a small business opening checklist

Creating an effective opening checklist for your small business starts with understanding your daily operational needs. The goal is to outline every critical task that must be completed before your doors open, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to the workday. Follow these steps to build an opening checklist tailored to your small business:

1. Identify essential tasks: List everything that must be done prior to opening, such as unlocking doors, turning on equipment, setting up registers, and restocking supplies.

2. Consider tasks specific to your industry: Restaurant owners might include food safety checks, while retailers may focus on merchandising.

3. Organize tasks by priority: Structure your checklist in a logical order, starting with critical tasks like security and equipment checks, followed by prep work and final touches. Group related tasks together to streamline workflows.

4. Assign responsibilities: Clearly define who’s responsible for each task, whether it’s the manager, front-of-house staff, or kitchen team. Ensure accountability by including a way to confirm task completion, such as checkboxes or initials.

5. Consider timing: Estimate how long each task takes and schedule enough time before opening to complete everything efficiently. Factor in buffer time for troubleshooting any issues.

6. Use digital tools: Decide whether a physical checklist or a digital version (such as a POS-integrated task manager) works best for your team. Make the checklist easily accessible to all employees.

Remember, as your business evolves, so will your operational needs. Periodically update your checklist to reflect any process changes or new requirements. As business transformation expert Robert Thacker explains:

“When processes are designed to be flexible and adaptive, they help businesses streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and avoid unnecessary delays. Resilient processes ensure that resources are used effectively, helping businesses maintain productivity even in challenging circumstances.”

Opening checklist examples for different types of small businesses

Every small business has unique operational needs, but one thing remains constant: starting the day with a structured opening routine sets the tone for success. Use these templates as a foundation to create a checklist that fits your business’s specific needs.

Bar & restaurant opening checklist example

A bar and restaurant requires a well-coordinated opening process to ensure that both the kitchen and bar are fully prepped for service. Here’s an example of a structured opening checklist tailored to a restaurant/bar:

• Facility & equipment checks

  • Unlock doors and disarm the security system

  • Turn on lights, music, TVs, and any digital menu boards

  • Adjust the thermostat for a comfortable dining and bar environment

  • Ensure all kitchen and bar equipment (stoves, ovens, fryers, refrigeration units, ice machines, beer taps, dishwashers) are functioning

  • Check restrooms for cleanliness and restock supplies

• Kitchen prep

  • Inspect food inventory and note reordering needs

  • Prepare mise en place (chopping vegetables, portioning proteins, etc.)

  • Refill condiment stations and ensure side items (bread, chips, dips) are ready

  • Run temperature checks on refrigeration and hot-holding units

  • Ensure all prep stations are stocked with utensils, plates, and cookware

• Bar prep

  • Restock liquor, beer, wine, and mixers

  • Cut fresh garnishes and prepare syrups or infusions

  • Check keg levels and replace any empty kegs

  • Stock ice bins with fresh ice

  • Set up soda guns, shakers, and essential bar tools

• POS & financial readiness

  • Power up and test the POS system and card readers

  • Ensure the cash drawer has the correct starting balance

  • Verify happy hour pricing or special menu updates are applied

  • Review online ordering and reservation systems

• Cleanliness & presentation

  • Wipe down tables, chairs, and bar stools

  • Sweep and mop floors, prioritizing on high-traffic areas

  • Sanitize bar tools, cutting boards, prep stations, and server stations

  • Set tables with clean silverware, napkins, and menus

  • Ensure bar napkins, coasters, and straws are fully stocked

• Staff readiness

  • Hold a pre-shift meeting to review daily specials, reservations, and service expectations

  • Assign stations to servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff

• Final pre-opening steps

  • Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure everything is clean, stocked, and ready

  • Unlock doors and ensure signage is visible

Coffee shop opening checklist example

A coffee shop opening checklist is essential for ensuring smooth operations, high-quality beverages, and excellent customer service. Here’s an example of a morning opening routine for cafes:

• Facility & equipment checks

  • Unlock doors and disarm security system

  • Turn on lights, music, and displays

  • Check the thermostat and adjust as needed

  • Ensure all espresso machines, grinders, and brewers are functioning

  • Run test shots through the espresso machine to calibrate

• Inventory & prep

  • Restock coffee beans, milk, syrups, and to-go cups

  • Check and refill condiment stations (sugar, stirrers, napkins, etc.)

  • Prepare any baked goods or breakfast items for display

  • Set up cold brew and iced coffee stations

• POS & financial readiness

  • Power up and test POS system

  • Ensure the cash drawer is stocked with change

  • Verify online ordering systems are functioning

  • Update digital menus (if necessary)

• Cleanliness & presentation

  • Wipe down counters, tables, and seating areas

  • Sanitize workstations and food prep areas

  • Check bathrooms for cleanliness and restock supplies

  • Arrange merchandise displays and promotional signage

• Team readiness

  • Hold a quick team meeting to discuss daily specials and expectations

  • Assign opening tasks to each employee

• Final pre-opening steps

  • Conduct a final walkthrough to confirm everything is clean and stocked

  • Unlock doors and ensure signage is visible

Retail store opening checklist example

Retail store opening checklists ensure that shelves are stocked, registers are ready, and the store is clean and inviting for customers. Here’s an example of a morning routine for a retail business:

• Facility & security checks

  • Unlock doors and disarm the security system

  • Turn on lights, music, and any display screens

  • Check that heating, cooling, and ventilation are at a comfortable level

  • Inspect the store for any maintenance issues (burned-out lights, spills, etc.)

• Inventory & merchandising

  • Restock shelves and front-facing merchandise

  • Check product displays and promotional signage for accuracy

  • Ensure high-demand or seasonal items are prominently placed

  • Inspect fitting rooms and restock hangers (if applicable)

• POS & financial readiness

  • Turn on and test POS systems and card readers

  • Ensure the cash register has the correct starting balance

  • Confirm promotional discounts are correctly applied

  • Test barcode scanners and receipt printers

• Cleanliness & presentation

  • Sweep and mop floors, especially near the entrance

  • Dust shelves, counters, and product displays

  • Wipe down checkout counters and sanitize touchpoints

  • Ensure fitting rooms and bathrooms are clean and stocked

• Team readiness

  • Hold a brief team huddle to discuss daily goals, promotions, and customer service focus

  • Assign specific opening tasks to staff

  • Check break schedules and shift coverage

• Final pre-opening steps

  • Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure shelves are stocked and displays are neat

  • Unlock doors and ensure the entrance is inviting

  • Place promotional materials or seasonal items near the entrance

Start every day right with a solid opening checklist

Your opening checklist is a foundational tool that keeps your small business running smoothly from the moment you open your doors. By implementing a structured routine, you can create a reliable system for your team.

As your business evolves, regularly review and update your checklist to adapt to changes and optimize your processes. With the right opening checklist in place, you can focus on delivering exceptional service and running your small business with confidence.