Cloud Kitchen Opening Checklist
Daily ghost kitchen opening SOP for delivery-only operations: prep stations, delivery platforms, packaging, and food safety.
- Estimated time
- 20 min
- Frequency
- daily
- Business type
- ghost kitchen
- Category
- opening
- Role
- kitchen manager
- Role
- prep cook
- Role
- expeditor
Purpose
Prepare the cloud kitchen for delivery order volume before platforms go live.
Run this cloud kitchen opening SOP before accepting delivery orders. Prep all stations, confirm delivery tablets are active, stock packaging, and verify walk-in temperatures.
Facility
Open the kitchen and prepare delivery staging.
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Unlock kitchen and turn on lights
-
Delivery staging area organized
-
Label and receipt printers online
Pass / Fail
Kitchen Prep
Prep all cooking stations for service.
-
All cooking stations prepped and stocked
-
Cooking equipment on and at temperature
Pass / Fail
-
Prep notes or 86 items (optional)
Note
Food Safety
Verify temperatures and hygiene stations.
-
Record walk-in cooler temperature
Recommended: 1-5°C
-
Handwashing stations stocked
Pass / Fail
-
Allergen labeling protocol reviewed
Delivery Platforms
Confirm order platforms and packaging are ready.
-
Delivery platform tablets active and open
Pass / Fail
-
Delivery packaging fully stocked
-
Expeditor briefing on order flow completed
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should complete the cloud kitchen opening checklist?
- The kitchen manager or opening expeditor completes this ghost kitchen SOP. A manager signs off before delivery platforms are set to open.
- How is a cloud kitchen SOP different from a restaurant opening?
- This SOP skips front-of-house steps and focuses on delivery staging, packaging supply, label printers, and multi-platform order tablets.
- What packaging should be stocked at opening?
- Stock containers, lids, bags, utensils, and sauce cups for your expected order volume. Running out of packaging during a rush is a common cloud kitchen failure.
- Why is allergen protocol required?
- Delivery orders often include allergen requests. Confirm your allergen labeling and prep separation protocol before the first ticket fires.
- Can I run multiple brands from one ghost kitchen?
- Yes. Add brand-specific prep steps and separate packaging stations via SOPChef customization for each virtual brand.