What belongs on a restaurant shift checklist?
Include cover count, reservations, VIPs, allergies, large parties, events, table blocks, staffing, waitlist settings, reminders, and end-of-shift notes.
Operations template
Restaurant Shift Checklist Template
A consistent shift checklist helps the front-of-house team start service with the same facts: reservations, VIPs, table blocks, pacing, waitlist options, and policy reminders.
Downloadable template
Pre-service: review cover count, large parties, VIPs, allergies, deposits, table blocks, patio status, event notes, waitlist settings, reminder status, and staffing gaps. During service: update table status, confirm late arrivals, release no-shows, watch pacing, and log recovery notes. Close: review no-shows, cancellations, walk-ins, quote accuracy, guest notes, and follow-ups.Download template
Use cases
- Prepare hosts for a busy service before guests arrive.
- Create consistent handoffs between managers and host teams.
- Turn daily operations into usable analytics and guest notes.
Examples
- Host briefing: review reservation waves and special guest notes 30 minutes before doors.
- Manager handoff: flag recovery tables, deposit exceptions, and large-party changes.
- End-of-shift review: note no-shows, waitlist abandonment, and table-turning bottlenecks.
Related resources
Putting this into practice? Explore GetReserve reservation management, table and floor plan management, or plans and pricing.
FAQ
Questions about restaurant shift checklist template
Who should own the checklist?
The opening manager or lead host usually owns the pre-service review, while closing notes should be visible to managers who review performance.
Can GetReserve support shift readiness?
Yes. Reservations, the floor plan, the waitlist, guest profiles and analytics are in the same place, so before service the team can check the day's bookings, large parties, guest notes and tags such as VIP. During service, staff move reservations through arrived, seated and completed, set table status by hand, and reservation updates appear live for everyone on shift.
GetReserve
Run each shift from one reservation book, floor plan, waitlist and set of guest profiles.
Online booking, the reservation book, waitlist, floor plans, guest profiles and reservation analytics in one place. Start on the free plan; paid plans are a fixed monthly price with no per-cover fees or commission.