Kitchen Station Prep Checklist
Daily kitchen station prep checklist: tools, mise en place, sanitizer, 86 list, and allergen flags before service.
- Estimated time
- 20 min
- Frequency
- daily
- Business type
- restaurant
- Category
- opening
- Role
- line cook
- Role
- prep cook
- Role
- kitchen manager
Purpose
Set up each line station with tools, mise en place, and communication flags before the first ticket.
Each line cook completes this station prep checklist before service. Confirm tools, backup pans, sanitizer, and mise en place are ready. Review the 86 list and flag allergen items.
Station Setup
Confirm tools and sanitation are ready.
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Tools and utensils clean and in place
-
Backup pans and containers stocked
-
Sanitizer bucket at correct concentration
Pass / Fail
Mise en Place
Stock the station for service.
-
Proteins portioned and labeled
-
Garnishes prepped and covered
-
Sauces and bases ready at station
Communication
Review service flags before opening.
-
86 list reviewed with team
-
Allergen items flagged at station
Pass / Fail
-
Station notes for the shift (optional)
Note
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should kitchen station prep be completed?
- Finish station prep before the kitchen opens or at least 15 minutes before the first ticket. The kitchen manager signs off on every station.
- What is mise en place on a line station?
- Pre-portioned proteins, prepped garnishes, and sauces placed at the station so the cook can fire tickets without leaving the line.
- Why flag allergen items on the station prep checklist?
- Allergen flags remind the line to use separate tools and prep surfaces for allergen orders. Cross-contact during prep is a common inspection violation.
- Who completes the station prep checklist?
- The cook assigned to each station completes their section. The kitchen manager walks the line and signs off before service.
- How is station prep different from the daily prep list?
- The daily prep list tracks bulk prep in the prep kitchen. Station prep is the final setup at each line position before tickets start.