Bar owners, bar managers, and bar employees—everyone involved benefits from opening and closing checklists.
To run a successful bar, you need to ensure that all standard operating procedures run smoothly. Checklists ensure that everything that has to be done is done, no matter how busy the night was.
In this article we’re going to go over why checklists are key to your bar business and how to make them work.
Do You Need Opening and Closing Checklists?
Opening and closing checklists may not be obligatory, but they sure make things easier, both for staff and management. The thing about running a bar is that you and your staff are going to have to perform a lot of repetitive tasks that keep your bar running smoothly.
In short, opening checklists help ensure that everything goes according to plan throughout the shift. Closing checklists make it easier for your staff to run all the cleaning and organization tasks to prepare for the next day.
Checklists are a big help for everyone at the bar — from the managers to the bartenders and the support crew. They make it easier to stay on track, cut down on waste, and remember all those little tasks that keep the bar humming.
Understand Your Staff
Even the best staff can miss something now and then, so having a checklist means fewer mistakes, less stress, and smoother shifts. Plus, managers really rely on them to keep things running tight and make sure the bar meets all those important safety rules for food and drinks.
Make sure your staff is not overwhelmed by dealing with constant orders and reservations. Consider using bar software to relieve yourself and your staff of repetitive duties, like daily financial summaries, online and offline order management, and reservations.
- Consistency: Ensures every shift runs smoothly with standardized procedures.
- Efficiency: Saves time by outlining tasks to be completed, reducing redundancy.
- Fewer oversights: Helps staff remember all necessary tasks, minimizing errors.
- Cleanliness and safety: Promotes a clean, safe environment for both staff and customers.
- Inventory management: Assists in tracking and managing stock levels.
- Staff accountability: Assigns specific responsibilities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Better customer service: Leads to a well-prepared, welcoming environment for guests.
- Regulatory compliance: Aids in adhering to food and alcohol safety standards.
Safety, cleanliness, financial transparency, keeping track of perishable products – these are the key advantages of preparing a closing checklist. Bar opening checklist, on the other hand, will ensure that everything is in order and ready after a busy night.
Bar Opening Checklist – Example
A bar opening checklist will vary depending on what type of bar you’re running. The point is to give you a list of general bar opening procedures to give you and your bar staff an idea of how to structure your bar operations more effectively.
If you’re a bar manager, you can use this checklist to set up all the tasks in accordance with what your particular case requires. Now, let’s go through an example bar opening checklist.
- Do a preliminary check:
- Inspect the bar area to ensure it’s safe and ready for business.
- Check for any maintenance issues, security concerns, or cleanliness issues (pest traps, spills, etc.).
- Verify that all necessary equipment is functioning properly.
- See if all closing tasks were completed on the closing shift (trash cans, cleaning, and other bar closing procedures)
- Check the beverage inventory:
- Count and record the stock of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Check keg levels.
- Check expiration dates and rotate stock as needed.
- Restock any depleted items to meet customer demand.
- Prepare the condiment bar:
- Restock condiments such as ketchup, mustard, olives, and hot sauce.
- Ensure that napkins, paper towels, straws, and utensils are readily available.
- Organize the condiment area for easy access.
- Check the ice machine, snacks, and garnish:
- Check the ice machine and refill the ice bin.
- Make sure ice coolers are running as intended.
- See if snacks and garnish are properly re-stocked
- Prepare the place:
- Arrange tables, chairs, and bar stools to create a welcoming layout.
- Ensure proper lighting and ambiance.
- Set up any necessary signage or promotional materials.
- Do a hygiene run:
- Wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and any lingering residue.
- Sanitize high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and menus.
- Ensure a clean and inviting environment for customers.
Remember that your bar checklist is going to vary depending on how you like to keep your bar organized, what bar equipment you use, and how much wiggle room you and your staff have.
Bar Closing Checklist
Closing procedures are equally if not more important than the opening ones. They ensure that the day switch has everything in good order and can begin running daily operations without too much effort.
- Cleaning and Organizing:
- Wipe down all surfaces, including bar tops, counters, and equipment.
- Rinse inside all taps and spouts.
- Cover spouts with rubber protectors to keep flies out.
- Wash drain covers.
- Mop floors behind the bar.
- Empty trash bins.
- Restocking and Secure Closure:
- Restock clean glassware.
- Refill ice bins.
- Restock perishables, garnishes, and disposables.
- Date perishable items.
- Securely lock up the bar area.
- Double-Check Points:
- Inspect all beer taps to ensure they are not leaking.
- Verify that beer lines are properly closed.
- Confirm backup generators are set up correctly in case of a power outage.
- Financial Tasks:
- Count and reconcile cash.
- Store money securely.
- Record any discrepancies.
- Prepare for the next day’s operations.
- Staff Personal Belongings:
- Remind staff to collect their personal belongings.
- Check employee lockers or designated storage areas.
It’s important for your staff to understand the importance of these checklists. They are necessary to keep your bar business from turning into complete chaos. These checklists save you a lot of stress and money.
Getting the Most Out of Bar Checklists
There are things you can do to make sure your bar opening and closing checklists do exactly what they were designed to do. Below are tips to help both management and staff maximize the effectiveness of bar opening and closing checklists.
1. Customize Checklists:
- Tailor opening and closing checklists to your specific bar’s needs. Consider the layout, menu, and unique requirements.
- Involve staff in creating or refining the checklists to ensure they cover all essential tasks.
2. Clear Instructions:
- Provide detailed instructions for each task on the checklist. Be specific about what needs to be done.
- Use clear language and avoid ambiguity.
3. Prioritize Tasks:
- Arrange tasks in order of importance. Focus on critical tasks first.
- Highlight any time-sensitive items.
4. Assign Responsibilities:
- Clearly assign tasks to specific staff members. Avoid overlap or confusion.
- Rotate responsibilities periodically to keep everyone engaged.
5. Training and Consistency:
- Train staff thoroughly on using the checklists.
- Ensure consistency by enforcing adherence to the same procedures every day.
6. Regular Review:
- Periodically review and update the checklists based on feedback and changing needs.
- Address any bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
7. Use a bar management software
- Using bar management software will help you keep track of all your key order statistics and make it easier for you to create accurate checklists.
You’ll also want to create a guideline for your staff. That way, you ensure that you’re all on the same page.
1. Follow the Sequence:
- Stick to the order of tasks on the checklist. This ensures nothing is missed.
- Avoid skipping steps, even if you’re in a hurry.
2. Attention to Detail:
- Pay close attention to cleanliness and organization.
- Double-check quantities, stock levels, and equipment functionality.
3. Collaborate with Colleagues:
- Communicate with coworkers during opening and closing shifts.
- Coordinate efforts to streamline tasks.
4. Time Management:
- Pace yourself to complete tasks efficiently.
- Use timers or alarms for time-sensitive items (e.g., restocking ice).
5. Report Issues Promptly:
- If you notice equipment malfunctions, low stock, or other issues, report them immediately.
- Preventive maintenance is crucial.
6. Learn from Each Shift:
- Reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
- Share insights with coworkers and management.
Remember that effective checklists are not just about ticking boxes; they contribute to a well-organized and smoothly functioning bar. Regularly evaluate and refine the process to optimize efficiency and customer experience.
Key Takeaways
- Opening and closing checklists critical for bar operations, ensuring adherence to standard procedures and benefiting owners, managers, and staff.
- Checklists maintain operational consistency, enhance efficiency, and ensure safety, reducing oversights, aiding inventory management, increasing staff accountability, and improving customer service.
- Opening checklists cover safety, maintenance checks, equipment functionality, beverage and stock level checks, condiment and snack preparation, and ensuring cleanliness and proper layout.
- Closing checklists entail comprehensive cleaning, restocking, securing the bar, completing financial tasks, and preparing for the next day.
- Advantages include promoting a clean, safe environment, aiding regulatory compliance, and improving shift preparation.
- Management tips: Customize, provide clear instructions, prioritize tasks, assign responsibilities, offer training, and conduct regular reviews.
- Staff tips: Follow the checklist sequence, pay attention to detail, collaborate, manage time efficiently, report issues, and learn from each shift.
- Effective checklists lead to a well-organized, smoothly functioning bar, enhancing the customer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make a bar checklist?
To make a bar checklist, you should create separate checklists for different bar operations, ensuring comprehensive coverage of tasks. Start with a bar opening and closing checklist to outline essential tasks at the start and end of each day. Involve both bar staff and bar managers in the creation process to ensure all areas of operation are covered. This collaborative approach ensures that the checklists are practical, thorough, and tailored to your bar’s specific needs, promoting efficiency and consistency in daily operations.
How do you close down a bar?
To close down a bar, first, ensure all bar tools and service bars are cleaned and sanitized. Count and secure the cash drawer, a crucial task for the bar owner or bar manager. Perform bar cleaning tasks, including washing floor mats, scrubbing floor drains with hot water to maintain smooth operation, and removing food crumbs to prevent pests. Lastly, organize liquor bottles, complete closing procedures, and ensure everything is ready for the next day. This systematic approach ensures safety, cleanliness, and readiness for future service.
How do you open a bar?
To open a bar successfully, it’s essential to utilize bar checklists. These ensure that every critical task is completed, setting the stage for smooth operations. A comprehensive checklist covers all aspects of opening, from setting up the bar area and ensuring inventory is stocked, to confirming that all equipment is functioning correctly. This preparation is key to a successful bar, as it helps avoid any operational hitches, ensures staff are ready for service, and guarantees that the establishment is welcoming and prepared for customers.
