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Checklists LibraryNew Restaurant Employee Orientation Checklist
HoReCaHoReCa
Date icon10/1/2025

New Restaurant Employee Orientation Checklist

A New Restaurant Employee Orientation Checklist helps managers turn the first day on the job into a clear, organized process. Instead of rushing through paperwork and kitchen tours, the checklist walks both the trainer and the new hire step by step — from completing HR forms and issuing uniforms to explaining policies, health rules, and customer service expectations. Each item is written in plain, actionable language so nothing important is skipped.


For employees, it creates structure and reduces stress. They see exactly what to expect on day one: introductions to coworkers, a guided walk through the dining room and kitchen, and hands-on practice with POS systems or station duties. By checking off each item, both the employee and the manager confirm that training milestones are met.


For managers and owners, the checklist builds consistency across teams. Every new server, cook, or dishwasher receives the same orientation, which improves compliance, food safety, and service standards. It also provides a record of completion — useful for audits, certifications, and performance reviews.


The checklist can be used as a printable PDF for small teams or integrated into a mobile app where supervisors can attach photos, add comments, and track progress in real time. Keeping it updated ensures every new hire is welcomed, trained, and ready to contribute confidently from the very first shift.


New Restaurant Employee Orientation Checklist
0/36

New hire paperwork completed (tax, I-9, contracts)

Check

Government-issued ID verified

Check

Emergency contact info recorded

Text

Payroll and scheduling system access provided

Check

Welcome session completed (mission, values, service philosophy)

Check

Code of conduct, dress code, and attendance explained

Check

Employee introduced to team culture and communication channels

Check

Note any questions about restaurant values or policies

Text

Food handler certification verified (if required)

Check

Fire exits and evacuation routes explained

Check

PPE issued (gloves, aprons, hairnets)

Check

Record date of safety training completion

Text

Kitchen, prep, storage, and dish areas toured

Check

Dining room, host stand, and bar areas introduced

Check

Employee introduced to supervisor and shift leads

Check

Seating chart and section system explained

Check

POS login created and tested

Check

Record employee POS ID number

Number

Clock-in/clock-out procedure demonstrated

Check

Scheduling app/shift swap process explained

Check

Station responsibilities demonstrated (host, server, cook, dishwasher, barback)

Check

Employee performed first practice task

Check

Rate skill confidence (0 = low, 5 = high)

Number

Upload photo of completed training task (e.g., plated dish, order ticket)

Media

Food storage procedures reviewed (temps, labeling, FIFO)

Check

Allergens and cross-contamination prevention explained

Check

Cleaning and sanitizing duties demonstrated

Check

Upload photo of cleaned workstation or labeled food

Media

Note any hygiene training follow-up needed

Text

Greeting and seating procedure role-played

Check

Order-taking and upselling practices explained

Check

Customer complaint handling demonstrated

Check

Record employee practice order-taking time (sec)

Number

Trainer notes on guest service performance

Text

Supervisor comments and training plan for next 10 days

Text

Probationary review date scheduled

Check
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A Restaurant Startup Checklist helps turn the complex process of opening a new restaurant into a clear, step-by-step plan. Instead of juggling dozens of tasks from memory, owners and managers can follow a structured sequence covering business planning, licensing, financing, staffing, menu design, marketing, and pre-opening operations. Each line has a simple outcome — permit approved, POS system tested, staff hired, menu finalized — so nothing critical is overlooked. For new restaurateurs, this checklist reduces stress and provides a roadmap. It guides you from registering your business and securing funding to choosing equipment, developing a menu, and preparing your team. By checking off each task, you can see progress and identify what still needs attention before the doors open. For managers and investors, the checklist creates accountability and visibility. It ensures that safety inspections, staff training, and trial runs are completed before the grand opening, and it leaves a record of actions taken — valuable for compliance, quality assurance, and future audits. The template works in both printable PDF format for simple use and in a mobile checklist app where you can add photos of permits, log vendor agreements, track budgets, and assign tasks to team members. Keeping the checklist updated makes the launch more predictable, improves coordination across departments, and helps ensure a successful restaurant opening from day one.

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