How a Closing Checklist Benefits Your Restaurant

How a Closing Checklist Benefits Your Restaurant

As a restaurant or bar owner, it is important to ensure that your establishment is properly closed and secured after the last customer leaves. Not only does this protect your business from potential theft and damage, but it also ensures that your staff has a safe and organized environment to work in the following day. To help you with this task, here is a checklist of things to do after closing your restaurant or bar:

• Secure the Premises: Make sure all doors, windows and gates are properly locked and secured. This includes checking the perimeter of the building to ensure that no one is inside and that all equipment is turned off.
• Turn Off Appliances: All appliances and equipment should be turned off, including stoves, ovens, grills and fryers. This will not only save energy but also reduce the risk of fires.
• Check Inventory: Take inventory of all the food and beverages left in the restaurant or bar. This will help you plan for the next day's operations and prevent food waste.
• Clean and Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize all areas of the restaurant or bar, including the kitchen, dining area and restrooms. This includes mopping floors, wiping down surfaces and disinfecting high-touch areas.
• Empty Trash and Recycling: Make sure all trash and recycling bins are emptied and taken out to the designated area for pick up.
• Set Alarms: If your establishment has an alarm system, make sure it is activated and set for the night.
• Check Surveillance Cameras: Review any footage from the surveillance cameras to ensure that everything looks normal and that there is no suspicious activity.
• Secure Cash and Valuables: If you have a safe, make sure all cash and valuables are properly secured inside.

By following this checklist after closing your restaurant or bar, you can help protect your business, reduce energy costs, prevent food waste and create a safe and organized environment for your staff. This also can help you save time and money by preventing theft and damage, ensuring that your equipment lasts longer and reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. By prioritizing the safety and cleanliness of your establishment, you'll be on your way to running a successful and profitable business.

Society Insurance is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in providing superior restaurant and bar insurance, custom-tailored to fit each operation's unique needs. To learn more, visit societyinsurance.com/georgia.

This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.