Shift Handover Log
Restaurant shift handover log: covers, 86 list, equipment issues, cash status, and dual manager sign-off between outgoing and incoming leads.
- Estimated time
- 10 min
- Frequency
- daily
- Business type
- restaurant
- Category
- audit
- Role
- manager
- Role
- shift lead
- Role
- kitchen manager
Purpose
Transfer operational context between managers without verbal-only handoffs that lose critical details.
Complete this shift handover log at every manager change: opening to mid, mid to close, or close to opening. Both outgoing and incoming managers sign before the handoff is complete.
Operations Summary
Summarize shift performance and menu status.
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Covers or tickets this shift
Range: ≥ 0
-
86 list updated and communicated
-
Special events, comps, or VIP notes (optional)
Note
Equipment & Maintenance
Flag issues for the next shift.
-
Equipment issues reported and pass
Pass / Fail
-
Maintenance vendor calls logged if applicable
Cash & Security
Confirm financial handoff status.
-
Cash drawer reconciled per cash handling SOP
-
Bank deposit prepared or secured
Pass / Fail
Handoff Sign-Off
Both managers confirm the transfer.
-
Outgoing manager signature
Signature
-
Incoming manager signature
Signature
-
Additional handover notes (optional)
Note
Frequently asked questions
What is a restaurant shift handover log?
A shift handover log documents what the outgoing manager passes to the incoming manager: sales volume, 86 items, equipment problems, cash status, and open issues. Both managers sign to confirm the transfer.
Who should complete the shift handover?
The outgoing shift lead or manager completes the log with the incoming manager present. Both sign before the outgoing manager leaves the building.
What should be included in a shift handover?
Cover count or ticket volume, updated 86 list, equipment or maintenance issues, cash drawer and deposit status, staffing notes, and any guest incidents that affect the next shift.
How is a handover log different from opening and closing checklists?
Opening and closing checklists verify tasks. A handover log transfers context between people: what happened on this shift that the next manager must know.
Should ghost kitchens and QSR locations use handover logs?
Yes. Delivery-only and high-volume kitchens benefit from written handoffs on platform outages, packaging shortages, and equipment downtime, not just full-service dining rooms.
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