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Opening Checklist

Complete these tasks every morning to ensure the store is ready for customers.

Arrive 30 minutes before opening time.


Opening Procedure

1. Unlock and Enter

  • Unlock doors
  • Disable security system
  • Turn on all lights (main area, kitchen, restrooms)
  • Do a quick walkthrough - check for any overnight issues (leaks, damage, etc.)

2. Turn On POS System and Clock In

  • Power on Square iPad (POS system)
  • Wait for it to boot up
  • Clock in and record arrival time

3. Start Equipment That Takes Time to Warm Up

Do these first - they need 15-20 minutes:

  • Turn on espresso machine
  • Turn on hot water dispenser (set to 180-185°F)
  • Let them warm up while you do other tasks

4. Turn On Music and Ambiance

  • Turn on music on iPad
  • Turn on Bluetooth speaker
  • Set volume to appropriate level

5. Make Fresh Tapioca Boba

This takes 30 minutes - start early!

  • Cook a fresh batch of tapioca pearls in the boba cooker
  • See How to Make Boba for complete step-by-step instructions
  • While boba is cooking (30 min), you can do other opening tasks
  • Discard any boba from previous day (over 6 hours old is unsafe)

6. Check Milk Supply

  • Open refrigerator and check milk
  • You need at least 2 full gallons of whole milk
  • Also check oat milk and almond milk levels
  • If less than 2 gallons: Report to manager immediately so they can order more

7. Stock Supplies from Storage Room

Go to storage room and refill:

  • Powders: All boba tea powder containers
  • Syrups: All syrup bottles
  • Toppings: Jelly, pudding, cheese foam
  • Cups: All sizes (small, medium, large)
  • Lids: All sizes to match cups
  • Straws: Refill straw dispensers
  • Napkins: Fill all napkin dispensers

8. Check Trash Bags

  • Walk around and check every trash can
  • Make sure each one has a trash bag
  • Replace any missing bags
  • Ensure bags are properly placed (not falling into can)

9. Prepare Workspace

  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Put on clean apron and name tag
  • Set up workstation with clean towels
  • Fill ice bins with fresh ice
  • Set up sanitizer buckets with fresh cleaning solution

10. Clean Customer Area

  • Wipe down all tables and chairs
  • Clean windows and glass surfaces
  • Sweep floor if needed from previous night
  • Straighten chairs and arrange furniture neatly
  • Check restrooms:
    • Clean if needed
    • Restock toilet paper
    • Restock paper towels
    • Restock hand soap
    • Empty trash

11. Bring In Outdoor Sign

  • Go outside
  • Remove the Muse & Co faucet sign from the wall outside
  • Bring it inside and store in designated location

12. Final Check Before Opening

By now equipment should be ready:

  • Check espresso machine is warmed up (indicator light on)
  • Check hot water dispenser shows 180-185°F
  • Verify POS system is ready
  • Fresh boba is prepared and cooling
  • All supplies are stocked
  • Customer area is clean
  • Music is playing

13. Open for Business

  • Unlock front door
  • Turn on "OPEN" sign
  • Flip any "CLOSED" signs to "OPEN"
  • Smile and be ready to greet customers!

Time Estimates

TaskTime
Unlock, lights, clock in3 min
Start equipment2 min
Make boba10 min
Check milk, stock supplies10 min
Workspace prep5 min
Clean customer area8 min
Final checks2 min
Total~35-40 minutes

Note: Espresso machine and hot water warm up during other tasks


Pro Tips

Start equipment first - Espresso machine and hot water take the longest (15-20 min), so turn them on early and do other tasks while they warm up.

Make boba early - It needs time to cool down before you can use it.

Check milk right away - If you're low, manager needs to know ASAP to order more for the day.

Stock as you go - Don't wait until the end. Grab supplies from storage room and refill as you see things are low.


Common Problems

Equipment won't turn on

  • Check power outlets and circuit breakers
  • Make sure equipment is actually plugged in
  • Call manager if still not working
  • See equipment guides: Espresso Machine | Hot Water Dispenser

Low on milk (less than 2 gallons)

  • Tell manager immediately
  • Check back storage for extra milk
  • Manager may need emergency supply order
  • Don't open without enough milk for the day

Can't find supplies in storage

  • Check Item Locations guide
  • Ask manager where items are stored
  • Report if truly out of stock

Old boba still in container

  • Throw it away immediately
  • Never serve boba that's over 4 hours old
  • Always make fresh each morning


Questions? Ask your manager or email [email protected]

Internal documentation for Muse & Co staff only