Bar Opening and Closing Checklist
Consistent openings and closings are the foundation of a well-run bar. Here's a complete checklist for both.
Bar Opening Checklist
- Check inventory levels — Use The Neat Profit's real-time dashboard to see what's low
- Restock from storage — Bring backup bottles to the bar based on par levels
- Check POS system — Ensure it's online, menu is current, 86'd items updated
- Clean bar surfaces — Wipe down bar top, back bar, and service areas
- Set up garnish station — Cut citrus, restock olives, cherries, onions
- Check draft beer lines — Pour and check first glasses for quality
- Ice bins — Fill ice wells and backup ice bins
- Review reservations/events — Check for large parties or special events
- Brief staff — Share specials, 86'd items, VIP guests, and focus cocktails
- Check glassware — Ensure enough clean glassware for expected volume
- Music and lighting — Set ambiance for the shift
Bar Closing Checklist
- Take inventory count — Use The Neat Profit's mobile app for fast counting. See counting methods compared
- Clean bar and glassware — Wash all glassware, wipe down all surfaces
- Restock for next day — Set up back bar for opening shift
- Secure liquor storage — Lock storeroom and high-value cabinets
- Reconcile POS — Close out register, verify sales match
- Check variance — The Neat Profit calculates variance instantly after count. See reducing bar variance
- Clean draft lines — If scheduled, flush lines per maintenance schedule
- Take out trash and recycling — Empty all bins, separate glass recycling
- Restock napkins, straws, coasters — Fill dispensers for next shift
- Set alarms and lock up — Security check of all doors and windows
How The Neat Profit Automates Your Checklist
Several checklist items become automatic with The Neat Profit:
- Real-time inventory dashboard eliminates manual stock checks
- POS integration handles sales reconciliation automatically
- AI alerts flag low-stock items before opening
- Mobile counting app speeds up closing inventory by 75%
- Variance calculated instantly after closing count
- AI Smart Ordering generates restock orders automatically. See when to order bar inventory
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be on a bar opening checklist?+
A bar opening checklist should include: check inventory levels, restock from storage, check POS system, clean bar surfaces, set up garnish station, check draft beer lines, review reservations/events, and brief staff on specials and 86'd items.
What should be on a bar closing checklist?+
A bar closing checklist should include: clean bar and glassware, restock for next day, take inventory count, secure liquor storage, reconcile POS, clean draft lines if scheduled, take out trash, and set alarms.
How can technology help with bar checklists?+
The Neat Profit automates many checklist items: real-time inventory levels eliminate manual stock checks, POS integration handles reconciliation, and AI alerts flag low-stock items before opening.
Should I use a digital or paper bar checklist?+
Digital is better. The Neat Profit provides real-time data that makes many checklist items automatic. Paper checklists can't sync with your POS or alert you to low stock.