Cafe Opening Checklist
Daily cafe opening SOP to warm equipment, stock the pastry case, record temperatures, and open for service.
- Estimated time
- 20 min
- Frequency
- daily
- Business type
- cafe
- Category
- opening
- Role
- manager
- Role
- barista
- Role
- shift lead
Purpose
Prepare the cafe for daily operations before the first customer arrives.
Use this cafe SOP every morning before opening. Warm the espresso machine, stock food and beverage stations, record cooler temperatures, and have a manager sign off.
Facility Inspection
Verify the cafe is safe and guest-ready.
-
Unlock cafe premises
-
Dining area tables and seating ready
-
Restrooms inspected and stocked
Pass / Fail
Beverage Station
Prepare coffee and beverage service areas.
-
Espresso machine warmed and tested
Pass / Fail
-
Grinder calibrated and beans loaded
-
Milk station stocked and pitchers sanitized
-
Pastry case stocked and labeled
-
Beverage station notes or issues (optional)
Note
Food Prep
Confirm food safety and prep readiness.
-
Record refrigerator temperature
Recommended: 1-5°C
-
Sandwich and prep items ready for service
-
Allergen signage displayed
POS & Staff
Verify systems and team readiness.
-
POS system online
Pass / Fail
-
Opening cash counted
-
Opening staff briefing completed
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should complete the cafe opening checklist?
- The opening manager or shift lead completes this checklist. A manager must sign off before customers are served.
- How long does cafe opening take?
- Most cafes complete this opening SOP in about 20 minutes when tasks are assigned across opening staff.
- What temperature should cafe refrigerators be at opening?
- Refrigerators should be between 1°C and 5°C (33°F-41°F). Record the reading as part of your daily food safety routine.
- Does this work for a full-service cafe with kitchen?
- Yes. This cafe SOP covers beverage station, pastry case, and basic food prep. Add kitchen-specific steps via SOPChef customization if you run a larger menu.
- Is allergen signage required at opening?
- Yes. Display current allergen information before service begins. This is a standard food safety requirement for cafes serving prepared food.