Cafe & Coffee Shop Standard Operating Procedures - Opening & Closing Templates
Cafe and coffee shop SOPs focus on what full-service restaurant checklists skip: espresso machine warmup, batch brew testing, pastry case temps, and morning-rush POS readiness. Whether you run a neighborhood cafe or a beverage-first coffee bar, browse free cafe SOP templates below and get your opening and closing procedures in shape.
Last reviewed: July 13, 2026
What every cafe and coffee shop SOP library needs
Document opening (equipment warmup, cooler temps, allergen signage) and closing (machine backflush, pastry storage, cash closeout) at minimum. Cafes with a full kitchen layer in handwashing and food safety SOPs from our shared library. Coffee-focused shops prioritize dial-in, batch brew, and supply stocking — the stuff that actually affects the morning rush.
Cafe vs. coffee shop SOPs
A cafe SOP covers espresso, pastry case, and light food prep — ideal for hybrid cafe-bakeries. A coffee shop SOP is streamlined for beverage operations: dial-in, batch brew test, cup supply, and mobile ordering. Run both if you operate under one brand with different dayparts or locations.
Cafe and coffee shop SOP templates
Each template below includes pass/fail checks, temperature fields where required, and manager sign-off. Customize machine brands, milk rotation rules, and local health code steps in SOP Chef before printing for your opening barista or shift lead.
Free SOP Templates
- Handwashing SOP
Restaurant handwashing standard operating procedure: sink setup, 20-second scrub steps, and when handwashing is required before food contact.
- Refrigerator Temperature Log
Daily refrigerator and walk-in cooler temperature log for restaurants. AM/PM readings, corrective actions, and manager sign-off.
- Cafe Opening Checklist
Daily cafe opening SOP to warm equipment, stock the pastry case, record temperatures, and open for service.
- Cafe Closing Checklist
Daily cafe closing SOP to shut down espresso equipment, store food safely, clean the space, and reconcile cash.
- Coffee Shop Opening Checklist
Daily coffee shop opening SOP to dial in espresso, test batch brew, stock supplies, and open for the morning rush.
- Coffee Shop Closing Checklist
Daily coffee shop closing SOP to clean espresso equipment, discard batch brew, sanitize the bar, and lock up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a cafe SOP?
- A cafe SOP is a checklist for recurring cafe tasks — opening the espresso bar, stocking the pastry case, or closing and cleaning equipment. It keeps beverage quality and food safety consistent no matter who opens.
- How is a coffee shop SOP different from a cafe SOP?
- Coffee shop SOPs emphasize beverage equipment — espresso dial-in, batch brew testing, cup supply — without full kitchen prep. Cafe SOPs add pastry case management and broader food service steps for hybrid operations.
- What food safety SOPs do cafes need?
- Record cooler temperatures at opening, post allergen signage, and run a handwashing SOP at every hand sink. Health inspectors treat cafes like any food service operation — documented temps and hygiene procedures matter.
- Who should sign off on cafe opening SOPs?
- The opening manager or shift lead completes the checklist. A manager signs off before the first customer is served — especially after recording walk-in or pastry case temperatures.
- Are these cafe and coffee shop SOP templates free?
- Yes. Every template on SOP Chef is free to customize and download as a PDF in English or Spanish. No account, no tricks.