---
title: "Coffee Shop & Cafe Opening Checklist (Free, Printable)"
canonical: "https://peakscaleops.com/checklists/coffee-shop-opening-checklist/"
---

> Source: https://peakscaleops.com/checklists/coffee-shop-opening-checklist/

[Checklists](/checklists/) / [Coffee Shop & Cafe](/checklists/coffee-shop/) / Open the Bar

# Coffee Shop & Cafe Opening Checklist

A Coffee Shop & Cafe opening checklist covers two jobs before the doors open. First, get the espresso machine and grinder ready. Second, set up a safe shift for staff and customers. Below is the complete 8-point checklist our team uses across Coffee Shop & Cafe with many locations.

[Run this checklist - free](/run/coffee-shop/?list=opening) [Download PDF](/checklists/pdf/peakscale-coffee-shop-checklists.pdf)[Download Excel](/checklists/excel/peakscale-coffee-shop-checklists.xlsx)

The checklist · 8 checks

### Get the espresso machine ready

**1\. Turn on the espresso machine and let it warm up to temperature.** A cold machine pulls a weak, uneven shot.

**2\. Check the water filter is not due for a change.** A worn filter changes the water taste and can damage the machine.

**3\. Dial in the grinder and set the dose (the amount of ground coffee) for the day.** The grinder drifts overnight, so it needs resetting each morning.

**4\. Pull a test shot and taste it before you serve any customer.** Tasting confirms the shot is balanced before you sell it.

### Set up for a safe shift

**5\. Stock the handwash station with soap, hot water, and paper towels.** Staff need a working handwash station to keep drinks safe.

**6\. Check that staff wash their hands before they start work.** Handwashing at the start of a shift stops germs moving onto food and drink.

**7\. Mix fresh sanitizer for wipe cloths and check it is at the right strength (ppm).** Weak sanitizer will not kill germs, and strong sanitizer can be unsafe on cloths.

**8\. Ask every staff member about illness before their shift starts.** A sick staff member can pass illness to customers through food and drink.

## Frequently asked questions

**What should a coffee shop opening checklist include?**

Eight checks in two groups. The first group gets the espresso machine ready: warm up the machine, check the water filter, calibrate the grinder and set the dose, then pull and taste a test shot. The second group sets up a safe shift: stock the handwash station, check that staff wash their hands, mix sanitizer to the right strength, and ask staff about illness before the shift starts.

**Why pull and taste a test shot before service?**

A test shot is the only way to check the machine and grinder together. If the shot tastes wrong, fix it before any customer orders coffee.

**How long should opening checks take?**

Most teams finish these checks in 15 to 20 minutes. Tick each check as you go, and note the time.

## More Coffee Shop & Cafe checklists

[Check Deliveries In](/checklists/coffee-shop-receiving-checklist/)[Run the Espresso Bar](/checklists/coffee-shop-espresso-bar-checklist/)[Brew Filter Coffee](/checklists/coffee-shop-brewed-filter-coffee-checklist/)[Check the Pastry and Food Display](/checklists/coffee-shop-pastry-food-display-checklist/)[Close the Bar](/checklists/coffee-shop-closing-checklist/)[Weekly Equipment and Safety Checks](/checklists/coffee-shop-weekly-checklist/)

One free app has all of them: [open the Coffee Shop & Cafe Checklists app](/run/coffee-shop/) - offline, no account, add it to your home screen.