How to Make Opening and Closing Checklists for Breweries

Brewery Opening and Closing Checklist Guide

Opening and closing a brewery every day requires staff to complete a lot of cleaning, organizing, and prep tasks. Forgetting even a small task can interrupt the workflow for the day.

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

Cooks, brewers, service staff, and management can all benefit from opening and closing checklists. These lists help staff to stay focused and complete the tasks that keep the brewery operating efficiently.

Breweries can use checklists to train staff and hold the team accountable. The lists can be divided by the kind of task and written in the order that tasks need to be completed. If you laminate them, each checklist will be reusable with dry-erase markers.

In this article, you will learn how to make and use opening and closing checklists in your brewery. Start building your brewery’s checklists today using the templates we provide at the end.

What is an opening and closing checklist?

Opening and closing checklists are lists of tasks that need to be completed by the brewery’s staff at the start and end of each day. These checklists help staff to keep the brewery prepared and organized. They can help to ensure that the brewery stays clean and help to reduce waste.

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

Opening and closing checklists help to ensure that the brewery staff is prepared and organized during every shift. Front-of-house staff uses checklists to keep the brewery clean while keeping operations productive. Checklists also help back-of-house staff to maintain food safety standards. 

Easier training

Checklists help with training for new staff and keep current staff to adjust to changes. New staff can learn the ropes of the brewery and keep themselves on task using opening and closing checklists. And checklists help current staff avoid forgetting crucial tasks that might slip under their radar.

Team accountability

Opening and closing checklists help staff to prepare themselves and their coworkers for a successful shift. Tasks can easily be divided evenly among staff using checklists, which saves everyone valuable time. 

Ensures cleanliness standards

Checklists help staff to remember all of the cleaning tasks that keep the restaurant operating in accordance with food safety regulations. Train your staff to work from checklists during each shift so that the brewery always operates within safe serving guidelines.

Reduces mistakes

Opening and closing checklists help staff to see the tasks that need to be done during shifts. They help to reduce mistakes that can be costly to the business. Forgetting to stock a popular brew or clean glasses can cost time during service. Checklists help to reduce such common mistakes.

Increases efficiency

Brewery shifts can run smoother when cleaning and stocking tasks are completed on time. Checklists help make it easier for staff to stay on task and eliminate the time it takes to delegate those tasks.

Tips for creating and implementing your brewery opening and closing checklists

Brainstorm tasks

Start creating opening and closing checklists for your brewery by brainstorming all the tasks that you can think of. Dividing the lists by the kind of task can make them easier to follow. You can even list the tasks in the order they should be completed.

Consult your team

Your brewery’s staff can help you to fill out opening and closing checklists. Consult reliable members of the team to help you create a plan for cleaning and organizing the brewery during every shift. Your staff will likely know of tasks you didn’t list in your first draft.

Use a template

Using a template is another great way to start building your brewery’s opening and closing checklists. Templates can also help to ensure that your lists are written with clear and precise language. 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 team to use checklists to their advantage by training them to use the lists every day. If staff tries to complete tasks from memory, they might forget some tasks that the checklist is designed to help them remember to complete. Make several copies of the checklists to protect them from spills and provide dry-erase markers so the lists can be reused.

Update often

Your brewery will grow and change with time. Update opening and closing checklists each time a process or procedure changes. Make sure to distribute the list and remind the staff to work from the most recent version so that everyone is on the same page.

Types of Opening and Closing Checklists

Help your brewery’s staff to stay on task by creating a checklist for each station. The examples below can help you to start building opening and closing checklists for each area of your brewery.

Front of House Opening Checklist

• Set tables with place settings (napkins or linen, silverware, and clean glassware).

  Turn on the point of sale system (POS).

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

• Review reservations for the day

• Set the music, lighting, and room temperature.

• Unlock the front door.

• Set up mise en place at the bar.

• 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.

• Refill condiments and sugar packets that live on tables. Wipe down condiment bottles.

• Sanitize table tops and bar.

• Sweep or vacuum dining room floors.

• Clean soda fountain.

• Empty ice wells.

• Return all menus to the menu holder.

• Count cash drawers.

Back of House Opening Checklist

• Set up stations with sanitizer buckets and cleaning supplies.

• Restock stations for line cooks.

• 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 restaurant 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 Brewery's Operations with Checklists

Opening and closing checklists can help your brewery’s staff to complete all the essential daily tasks. It can be difficult for even the most seasoned server or cook to remember everything. Creating checklists for each station helps with task management. That way, your staff can focus on providing the best experience to each guest.

Related Resources

• Restaurant Opening and Closing Checklist

• Bar Opening and Closing Checklist

• Bakery Opening and Closing Checklist

• Food Truck Opening and Closing Checklist

• Coffee Shop Opening and Closing Checklist

• Catering Company Opening and Closing Checklist