ResourcesOpen & Close Checklists
Operations

Daily Checklists for Hospitality & Retail

Ensure every shift starts and ends the right way. Create checklist templates, track completion in real time, and review submissions from anywhere.

Tick-off items
📍 Per location
📊 Progress tracking
📝 Submission history
Opening Checklist — CBD Cafe
Opening checklist3 of 6
Unlock doors and turn off alarm
Turn on lights and signage
Check and set thermostat
Wipe down all tables and counters
Set up POS and open float
Restock napkins and condiments
Started by James T. at 5:48 AMSubmit
How to

Setting up and using checklists

Follow these steps to create checklist templates and get your team using them every shift.

1

Set up checklist templates per location

Navigate to Settings > Checklists and create a new template. Choose whether it's an Opening or Closing checklist, select which location it applies to, and add each item staff need to complete. You can create different checklists for different venues.

Checklist template editor
New checklist template
Type
Opening
Closing
Location
CBD Cafe
Items
Unlock doors and turn off alarm
Turn on lights and signage
Check thermostat
+ Add item
2

Staff starts the opening checklist

When a staff member arrives for an opening shift, they navigate to the Checklists page and tap 'Start checklist'. The system records who started it and when, creating an audit trail for every shift.

Start checklist
Opening checklist
CBD Cafe · 6 items
Start
Closing checklist
CBD Cafe · 8 items
Start
3

Tick items off as they're completed

Staff work through the checklist, ticking each item as they go. The progress bar updates in real time so managers can see how far along the checklist is — even from another location. Items can include optional notes or photo uploads for verification.

Checklist in progress
Opening checklist4 of 6 complete
Unlock doors and turn off alarm
Turn on lights and signage
Check and set thermostat
Wipe down all tables
Set up POS and open float
Restock napkins and condiments
4

Submit the completed checklist

Once all items are ticked, staff tap 'Submit checklist'. The submission is timestamped and stored permanently. If any items were skipped, the system will flag them and ask for a reason before allowing submission.

Submit checklist
Checklist submitted
Opening checklist — CBD Cafe
6/6 items completed·Submitted by James T. at 6:12 AM
5

Manager reviews submissions

Managers can review all checklist submissions from the Checklists dashboard. Filter by date, location, or type to see who completed what and when. Spot patterns — like a location that consistently skips items — and address them before they become problems.

Submission history
Recent submissions
OpeningJames T.
Today, 6:12 AM
6/6Complete
ClosingEmma W.
Yesterday, 10:45 PM
7/81 skipped
OpeningLiam C.
Yesterday, 5:55 AM
6/6Complete
Tips

Get the most from checklists

A few ways to keep every shift consistent and accountable.

📋
Keep it concise
Aim for 6-10 items per checklist. Too many items and staff rush through without reading. Focus on the tasks that matter most.
📸
Require photos for key items
For items like "Clean the bathroom" or "Set up outdoor seating", require a photo as proof. It builds accountability without micromanaging.
🏪
Customise per location
Each venue has different needs. A bar closing checklist will differ from a cafe. Create tailored templates for each site.
🔔
Set up alerts for missed checklists
Enable notifications so managers get alerted if a checklist hasn't been started within 30 minutes of opening time.
📊
Review submissions weekly
Look for trends in skipped items or late submissions. It helps identify training gaps or items that need to be updated.
🔄
Update templates seasonally
Review your checklists each quarter. Add new items for seasonal needs (heaters in winter, outdoor setup in summer) and remove outdated ones.
FAQ

Common questions

What are opening and closing checklists?+
Standardised task lists that staff complete at the start and end of each shift — cleaning, safety checks, stock, and equipment tasks. Everything is logged with timestamps.
Can I customise checklists per location?+
Yes. Each location can have its own set of checklists tailored to that site's requirements.
How do I know if checklists were completed?+
The dashboard shows real-time completion status. You'll see which checklists are done, in progress, or overdue.

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