Whether you’re opening your restaurant’s doors for the first time or you’ve been in business for years and want to refresh how you stock up, this Restaurant Inventory Checklist is for you. Use this free inventory checklist to define what you need, set up suppliers, and make sure everything is fresh and available to keep your customers coming back for more.
Click the “Download Now” button to access the Restaurant Inventory Checklist right away, or keep reading to learn a little bit more about stocking up.
What Is a Restaurant Inventory Checklist?
An inventory checklist for restaurants is an extensive list of the supplies a restaurant needs to operate. This kind of document typically includes things like:
- Food and beverage inventory: Produce, meat, non-perishable goods, alcohol, soft drinks, etc.
- Serviceware: Tablecloths, napkins, glasses, dishes, silverware, etc.
- Furniture: Tables, chairs, decorations, lighting, etc.
- Takeout supplies: Boxes, plastic utensils, napkins, paper bags, etc.
- Cleaning supplies: Cleaning sprays, hand sanitizer, mops, etc.
- Equipment: Oven, refrigerator, freezer, sink, fryer, etc.
- Software and hardware: POS system, inventory management system, reservations software, online ordering system, etc.
Our inventory list for restaurants is unique because it’s more than just a food inventory checklist. It also includes things you should do to establish an effective inventory management process, as well as action items for creating relationships with food and beverage vendors.
Why Should You Use a Restaurant Inventory Checklist?
Considering winging your inventory? Think again. When you use an inventory checklist, you can:
- Establish a uniform inventory management process that saves you time.
- Keep customers happy by avoiding stockouts and ensuring you always have what you need in stock.
- Save money by effectively forecasting inventory needs.
- Keep track of expiration dates with a restaurant kitchen inventory list so you always serve the freshest foods and eliminate food waste.
The bottom line: a restaurant inventory list will help you stay organized, which is priceless in an industry that often involves juggling dozens of tasks at once.
How to Establish an Inventory Management Process
This free checklist comes with strategies for creating a process for managing your inventory. Here’s a preview of what you’ll learn:
- Determine your inventory tracking method: There are lots of ways to count inventory, including scanning inventory with a barcode, manually counting what comes in and goes out, and tracking inventory with your POS system. Figure out what works best for your restaurant to create an efficient system.
- Shop for restaurant inventory management platforms: Embracing technology can simplify inventory management and let you forego physical restaurant inventory sheets. Look for a solution that integrates with your POS to ensure a smooth transfer of data.
- Designate staff for counting physical inventory: If you’re manually tracking inventory, make it part of someone’s job. For example, you might have a line cook count food inventory during an opening and closing shift, while a server counts paper goods at the beginning and end of the day. Include these duties in your restaurant’s opening and closing checklists.
With our Restaurant Inventory Checklist, you have a comprehensive tool that will help you effectively manage your business’ supplies. From setting up an efficient process to finding suppliers, this checklist is designed to help you streamline operations so you can focus on delighting customers with excellent service.
Ready to get started? Click “Download Now” to access our free Restaurant Inventory Checklist and take the first steps towards a more organized and efficient inventory management system. You can use the checklist as-is, or treat it like a customizable inventory checklist template.