This general kitchen checklist gives hospitality kitchen managers a way to run consistent opening, cleaning and closing routines every shift. Check utilities and equipment at opening, verify cleaning schedules throughout service and confirm every lock, key and alarm before closing. Run this checklist every shift to keep kitchen standards consistent, no matter who's on duty.
With Mitti you can
With Mitti you can
About author
Mitti (by SafetyCulture) is the operations system for every site, shift and standard. Trusted by 80,000 organizations in 190 countries, Mitti publishes free checklists, SOP templates, audit checklists and toolbox talk topics that turn paper processes into a digital audit trail. Download one, put it to work on your next inspection or shift, and see why teams keep coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When opening or closing steps get skipped, the next shift feels it first
A kitchen shift has a lot of small steps, and the ones that get skipped are usually the ones nobody notices until something goes wrong.
Equipment gets left on overnight, or a fridge stays unlocked after close.
Cleaning schedules exist on paper, but nobody's actually assigned to check them.
Keys go missing because there's no consistent place to store them at shift end.
Closing steps get rushed, and the alarm or locks get missed.
Run the same opening, cleaning and closing routine every shift
Kitchen managers need one consistent way to run a shift, from the first light switch to the last lock. This general kitchen checklist walks through each stage in order.
Turn on utilities and equipment, and confirm no malfunctions before service starts.
Follow cleaning schedules and verify sanitation standards throughout the day.
Lock refrigeration, cabinets and alarms, and account for every kitchen key at close.
Finish every shift with a record that holds up, no matter who's on duty
When every shift follows the same checklist, handover stops depending on memory. New staff ramp up faster, and a missed step gets caught before it becomes a bigger problem.
Run this general kitchen checklist and give every shift the same strong start and close.