Restaurant Manager Daily Checklist

A daily checklist for shift and general managers covering the full day — pre-shift prep, midday checks, labor management, admin, and end-of-day wrap-up.

Use this alongside your opening and closing checklists to keep the whole day accountable. Progress is saved automatically on this device, and you can print this page for your binder.

Customize this checklist for your restaurant’s equipment, policies, operating procedures, and applicable requirements.

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Morning & Pre-Shift

Review overnight manager log and outstanding issues
Check today’s reservations, events, and large parties
Review labor schedule against forecasted sales
Confirm opening checklist was completed
Check email and voicemail for vendor or corporate updates
Hold pre-shift meeting with FOH and BOH leads

Midday Checks

Walk the floor during peak service for quality and pace
Spot-check food quality and plate presentation
Monitor labor vs. sales in real time
Check in with guests at a sample of tables
Address any guest complaints or service recovery needs
Confirm par levels for a possible second prep push

HVAC — During Shift

Monitor dining-room comfort during service and respond to significant guest or staff temperature complaints
Check for thermostat/HVAC alerts, abnormal operation, or recurring airflow/comfort issues
Confirm opening and closing thermostat procedures are being followed
Record HVAC problems requiring maintenance

Digital & Guest-Facing Devices — Mid-Shift Check (If Applicable)

Check waitlist/reservation device and TV/digital display battery, connectivity, and responsiveness during service
Confirm displays continue showing approved content; correct any frozen, blank, or inappropriate screens
Check the music/audio source and confirm volume remains appropriate; correct playback or connectivity issues where practical
Check delivery tablets, kiosks, paging devices, and other guest-facing devices for obvious operational failures
Record recurring device, network, or app problems for follow-up

Staff & Labor Management

Confirm all scheduled staff clocked in on time
Adjust staffing up or down based on actual business
Handle any call-outs or shift coverage issues
Document any coaching conversations or incidents
Approve breaks per labor law requirements

Financial & Admin

Review sales pace against daily sales goal
Review and approve any comps, voids, or discounts
Check inventory levels for tomorrow’s ordering needs
Respond to any pending vendor or supplier issues
Log any maintenance or repair needs

End of Day Wrap-Up

Confirm closing checklist is underway before leaving
Review end-of-day sales and labor percentage
Write a manager log entry for the next shift
Flag any items that need owner or GM attention
Confirm building is secured before final departure

Restaurant Manager Daily Checklist

Morning & Pre-Shift

Midday Checks

HVAC — During Shift

Guest Ordering Tablets — Mid-Shift Device Check (If Applicable)

Digital & Guest-Facing Devices — Mid-Shift Check (If Applicable)

Staff & Labor Management

Financial & Admin

End of Day Wrap-Up

Restaurant Ops Desk

Resources

Company

Legal