Closing Checklist
Complete these tasks every evening to secure the store and prepare for the next day.
Allow 45-60 minutes after last customer leaves.
Closing Procedure
1. Close Out POS System and Count Cash
Do this first for security:
- Stop accepting new orders
- Complete end-of-day report in Square POS
- Count all cash in drawer carefully
- Record amount on cash count sheet
- Prepare bank deposit or secure cash per procedure
- Print end-of-day receipts/reports
- Lock cash in safe immediately
- Never leave cash unsecured
2. Turn Off All Equipment
- Turn off espresso machine (proper shutdown - don't just unplug)
- Turn off hot water dispenser
- Turn off music on iPad
- Turn off Bluetooth speaker
- Properly shut down POS system (don't just turn off iPad)
- Turn off any other small appliances
3. Wash All Dishes and Equipment
- Wash all cups, glasses, and utensils from the day
- Wash blenders, shakers, and pitchers
- Wash espresso machine portafilters and parts
- Wash and sanitize all work surfaces
- Wash and sanitize counters
- Dry everything and put away
- Clean sink and drain area thoroughly
4. Take Out All Trash
- Walk around and empty every trash can
- Tie up all trash bags securely
- Take everything out to the dumpster outside
- Come back inside
- Put new trash bags in all cans
- Empty recycling bins if you have them
- Wipe down outside of trash cans
5. Sweep All Floors
- Sweep customer area (under tables and chairs too)
- Sweep behind counter
- Sweep kitchen/prep area
- Get all corners and edges
- Sweep everything into a pile
- Use dustpan to collect
6. Mop All Floors
- Start in back, work toward front
- Mop customer area
- Mop behind counter
- Mop kitchen/prep area
- Use proper floor cleaning solution
- Get under tables and equipment
- Let floor dry (or put up wet floor signs if needed)
- Rinse mop and hang to dry
- Empty and rinse mop bucket
7. Turn Off All Lights
- Turn off customer area lights
- Turn off kitchen/prep area lights
- Turn off restroom lights
- Turn off back room/storage lights
- Leave only security/emergency lights on (if you have them)
8. Change Signs to "CLOSED"
- Flip "OPEN" signs to "CLOSED"
- Turn off any lighted "OPEN" signs
- Make sure all signage shows store is closed
9. Bring In Outdoor Sign
- Go outside
- Remove the Muse & Co faucet sign from the wall
- Bring it inside
- Store it in designated location
10. Lock Both Doors
- Lock front door
- Lock back door (if you have one)
- Pull on both doors to test they're actually locked
- This is critical - physically test each door
- Arm security system if you have one
11. Clock Out
- Clock out on POS system
- Record your departure time
- Text manager that store is closed and secured
Time Estimates
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Cash count & POS | 10 min |
| Turn off equipment | 5 min |
| Wash dishes | 15 min |
| Take out trash | 5 min |
| Sweep floors | 10 min |
| Mop floors | 10 min |
| Lights, signs, lock up | 5 min |
| Total | ~60 minutes |
Pro Tips
Cash first, always - Secure money before doing anything else. This is non-negotiable for security.
Dishes while waiting - If equipment needs to cool down, start washing dishes right away.
Trash before sweeping - Get trash out first so you don't sweep up stuff you just threw away.
Sweep before mopping - Always sweep up debris before you mop, otherwise you'll just push dirt around.
Test those doors! - Don't just turn the lock. Actually pull on each door to make sure it's locked. This is important!
Additional Cleaning (If You Have Extra Time)
Only do these if you finish the main tasks and have time left:
- Wipe down all tables and chairs
- Clean windows and mirrors
- Clean and restock restrooms (toilet paper, soap, paper towels)
- Wipe down refrigerator inside and outside
- Clean under equipment
- Organize storage room
- Wipe down walls if there are splashes
- Clean ice bins
Common Problems
Cash drawer doesn't balance
- Recount everything carefully
- Check for bills stuck in drawer
- Look through receipts to find error
- Write down the discrepancy amount
- Tell manager about the variance
- Still lock up the cash - don't leave it out
Equipment won't shut down
- Don't force it off
- Try proper shutdown again
- Take a photo of any error messages
- Leave a note for opening staff
- Call manager to let them know
- See equipment guides for proper procedures
Door won't lock
- Try several times
- Check for obstructions
- Call manager immediately - this is a security emergency
- Do not leave until door is secured
- May need to wait for manager or locksmith
Forgot something after leaving
- If you realize right away and it's safe, go back
- If you're already home, call/text manager
- Never go back alone late at night - call manager first
- Let opening staff know what wasn't done
Security Checklist
Before you leave, verify all of these:
- Cash is in safe, not sitting out
- All equipment is off (especially hot equipment)
- All lights are off except security lights
- Front door is locked AND you tested it
- Back door is locked AND you tested it (if applicable)
- Outdoor sign brought inside
- Security system armed (if you have one)
- Nothing valuable visible from windows
- Manager has been texted that you're done
Safety Reminders
Never leave alone at night without someone knowing
- Text manager when you're leaving
- Text again when you're safely in your car
- Have your phone charged
- Park in a well-lit area
- If you feel unsafe, call someone to wait with you
- Don't approach suspicious people - call police if needed
Related Pages
- Opening Checklist - Morning procedures
- Equipment Guides - How to shut down equipment properly
- POS System - How to close out Square
- Emergency Procedures - What to do in emergencies
Questions? Ask your manager or email [email protected]