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OperationsPDF + Editable Spreadsheet

Opening & Closing Checklist

A daily opening and closing checklist covering the temperature, hygiene, and safety checks that keep a kitchen running and inspection-ready.

Free downloadReady to useUK compliant
Opening & Closing Checklist
PDF + Editable Spreadsheet
7 sections included

The first and last hour of the day are where standards slip if nobody is watching, so a checklist keeps them tight. This free opening and closing checklist walks the team through the temperature, hygiene, and safety checks that should happen before service starts and after it ends, with a line for the manager on duty to sign it off.

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Paddl does this automatically

Instead of filling in paper templates, Paddl generates opening & closing checklists automatically with AI - complete with digital signatures, mobile access, automatic reminders, and audit-ready records for EHO inspections.

AI-generatedMobile appEHO-readyAuto reminders
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Why you need this

Consistent opening and closing checks are part of your daily due diligence routine
Fridge and freezer temperatures should be confirmed before the first food is prepped
A closing routine makes sure nothing is left out, on, or unsecured overnight
A signed checklist shows an EHO officer that checks happen every day, not just on inspection day
It gives new and stand-in managers a clear list rather than relying on memory

What's included

Opening checks (fridge and freezer temperatures, probe ready, hand-wash stocked, hot water on)
Pre-service hygiene checks (surfaces, equipment, date labels)
Closing checks (waste out, surfaces cleaned, equipment off)
Security checks (doors, windows, gas, alarm)
Temperature confirmation line at open and close
Tick and initial columns for each task
Manager sign-off for the day

How to use this template

1

Work top to bottom at open

Run through the opening list before any food is prepped, starting with fridge and freezer temperatures.

2

Initial each task

Initial each check as it is done rather than ticking the whole list at the end.

3

Run the closing list

At the end of service work through the closing checks, including waste, cleaning, and turning equipment off.

4

Sign off and file

The manager on duty checks the sheet, signs it, and files it as the daily due diligence record.

Tips for getting the most from this template

Confirm fridge and freezer temperatures before prep, not after, so a fault is caught early
Keep the closing checks honest, because an empty tick box at midnight helps nobody
Add a gas and electrical isolation line if you run cooking equipment overnight risks
Review the list every few months so it matches how the kitchen actually runs
Paddl can deliver opening and closing checklists to a tablet and timestamp every sign-off

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Related Paddl features

Paddl digitises everything in this template - and these features work together to keep your business compliant.

Daily RoutinesScheduled tasks with mobile completion and photo evidenceComplianceTrack all food safety compliance in one dashboardMobile AppComplete tasks, log records, and sign documents on mobile

Skip the paperwork entirely

Paddl digitises everything in this template - and more. AI-generated plans, mobile completion, automatic alerts, and audit-ready records. No printing, no filing, no gaps.

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