How to Make Opening and Closing Checklists for Bakeries

Bakery Opening and Closing Checklist Guide

A lot more goes into running a bakery than producing delicate, sweet treats. Opening and closing the bakery each day requires a lot of tasks that the staff needs to keep track of. Each of those tasks keeps the business operating efficiently.

That’s why bakery owners know the importance of streamlining day-to-day operations.

Opening and closing checklists can take a lot of the stress out of delegating all of the cleaning, stocking, and prep tasks. The whole staff can benefit from using checklists to keep track of what needs to be completed.

Many bakeries use checklists to train staff and hold the team accountable. Make them accessible to the whole staff by dividing each list by the type of task, such as cleaning and stocking. You can also list tasks in the order they should be completed.

In this article, we will discuss why opening and closing checklists are useful for bakeries. We provide advice about how to use checklists and list some examples of checklists that you can use to start building your own.

What is an opening and closing checklist?

Bakery opening and closing checklists are lists of tasks that need to be completed by staff at the beginning and end of each day of operation. These checklists help ensure that everything is properly prepared and organized and that the restaurant is clean and safe while reducing food waste.

Why do you need a checklist before opening and closing a bakery?

Checklists help staff and management ensure that everything is prepared, organized, and accounted for when opening and closing your bakery. Front-of-house staff can use checklists to keep them productive and on task. Checklists can also help back-of-house staff to keep the bakery clean and maintain food safety standards.

Easier training

Both new and existing staff can benefit from using checklists. They help to streamline training for new staff, making it easier for them to learn all of the opening and closing tasks. Checklists also help experienced staff to adjust to changes in procedures. Train your staff to use checklists during every shift.

Team accountability

A checklist can help to hold staff accountable for completing their assigned tasks. They provide leadership staff with a way to divide tasks evenly between the whole team. Checklists can save time by simplifying task delegation.

Ensures cleanliness standards

A checklist can help to ensure that the bakery is following health and safety regulations, such as properly storing food and cleaning equipment. Flour and other dry ingredients can be especially messy, and checklists help staff to remember to clean every surface and corner of the bakery.

Reduces mistakes

Checklists can help to reduce simple mistakes that are costly to the bakery. Opening and closing checklists prompt staff to set themselves up for a successful shift. Forgetting to stock ingredients and supplies can cost valuable time during service. Checklists help to reduce such common mistakes.

Increases efficiency

Having a checklist helps bakery staff to complete all necessary tasks in a timely and efficient manner. When cleaning and stocking tasks are completed on time, the shift can run much smoother. Checklists make it easier to remember when to complete tasks.

Tips for creating and implementing your bakery opening and closing checklists

Brainstorm tasks

The first step toward creating opening and closing checklists for your brewery is to brainstorm tasks for each station. Create a list of all the tasks that you can think of. Then, divide the lists by the type of task and shift. For instance, group all of the cleaning tasks together and list them in the order that they should be completed.

Consult your team

Your bakery’s staff can help you to fill out your opening and closing checklists. They will likely know of tasks that you didn’t list in your first draft. Consult your leadership staff to help you to create a realistic plan for cleaning and organizing the bakery during each shift.

Use a template

Templates can also help you to start building your bakery’s opening and closing checklists. It is important to use clear, precise language when listing tasks. Templates are available for all areas of the restaurant, and we provide some examples below that can help you get started.

Train the team

Help your staff get accustomed to checklists by training them to use opening and closing checklists every day. Your lists work best when they are used consistently. Make several copies and laminate them to protect them from spills. Provide staff with dry-erase markers to reuse the checklists.

Update often

You’ll likely need to update your opening and closing checklists as your bakery grows and changes. Update the checklists each time a process or procedure changes. Print the new list and make sure that staff are working from the most recent versions so that everyone is on the same page.

Types of Opening and Closing Checklists

Each area of your bakery has different tasks to keep them organized and prepared. Help them stay on task by creating specific checklists for each station of the bakery. The examples below can help you to start building opening and closing checklists for your bakery.

Front of House Opening Checklist

• Turn on the point of sale system (POS).

• Learn the day’s specials and program them into the POS.

• Review the day’s orders.

• Set the music, lighting, and room temperature.

• Unlock the front door.

• Fill ice wells.

• Spot clean glass doors and windows so that they are free of smudges and streaks.

Front of House Closing Checklist

• Empty trash bins and replace bags.

• Sanitize table tops and service counter.

• Sweep or vacuum dining room floors.

• Empty ice wells.

• Count cash drawers.

Back of House Opening Checklist

• Set up stations with sanitizer buckets and cleaning supplies.

• Pre-heat ovens, stoves, fryers, and heaters.

• Prep ingredients for the shift.

• Identify and report any missing inventory and 86 menu items if necessary

• Set up kitchen stations with the right equipment

• Check temperatures in all refrigeration units.

Back of House Closing Checklist

• Clean and sanitize all food preparation equipment and cooking surfaces.

• Sweep and mop floors.

• Place ingredients in the walk-in cooler.

• Make sure food is organized according to food safety standards to prevent cross-contamination.

• Clean and sanitize cooking equipment.

• Turn off ovens, stoves, fryers, and heaters.

Management Opening Checklist

• Confirm that cash register drawers include amounts reported from previous shifts.

• Review the inventory of supplies and ingredients.

• Prepare for a staff meeting.

• Walk through the bakery to make sure that everything is clean.

• Organize incoming deliveries.

• Review the staff schedule.

• Explain specials to staff and review menu items.

• Set daily sales goals.

Management Closing Checklist

• Delegate cleaning tasks to the staff.

• Cash-out service staff.

• Review sales and labor costs for the day and run reports.

• Walk through the restaurant to check the staff’s closing tasks.

• Lock doors and set the security system.

Streamline your Bakery’s Operations with Checklists

Opening and closing checklists can help shifts at your bakery to run as smoothly as fresh buttercream. There are dozens of tasks that staff need to complete at the beginning and end of each shift. It’s difficult to remember them all. Creating checklists for each station helps with task management and frees your staff to focus on making great bakes.

Related Resources

• Restaurant Opening and Closing Checklist

• Bar Opening and Closing Checklist

• Food Truck Opening and Closing Checklist

• Brewery Opening and Closing Checklist

• Coffee Shop Opening and Closing Checklist

• Catering Company Opening and Closing Checklist