Food Service Supervisor how-to

How to Open a Restaurant Shift

A strong opening sets up the day.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

A strong opening sets up the day. In short: arrive; count; turn, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Arrive early and follow security procedures.

  2. Count the cash drawer.

  3. Turn on and check equipment.

  4. Check food deliveries and temperatures.

  5. Assign crew to stations.

  6. Complete the opening checklist.

Safety reminders for food service supervisors

  • Follow food safety temperatures and logs
  • Keep floors clean and dry
  • Use safe cash handling
  • Watch for burns at fryers and grills

Shift lead · Station · Temperature log · Cash drawer · Shift report · Speed of service: see the full food service supervisor glossary.

More food service supervisor how-to guides

Learn this in Food Service Supervisor trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz