Restaurant Operations Playbook
Sample SOPs from a 40-seat casual dining restaurant. Covers opening/closing, food safety, staff onboarding, and table management.
Daily Opening Checklist
Owner: Front-of-House Manager · Timing: 30 min before open
Unlock doors, disarm alarm, turn on all lights
Check dining room temp — must be 68–72°F before guests arrive
Inspect all tables: clean, set, undamaged
Confirm POS system online, run test transaction
Verify bar stock — flag any items below par to manager
Brief AM staff on daily specials and 86'd items
⚠️ If POS is down, activate paper ticket backup (drawer 3, host stand)
Temperature Log & Corrective Action
Owner: Kitchen Manager · Timing: Every 2 hours during service
Log fridge temps (walk-in cold: 35–38°F, freezer: 0°F or below)
Log hot holding temps (all items: 140°F minimum)
If cold storage exceeds 41°F: notify manager immediately, move perishables to backup unit
If hot hold drops below 135°F: reheat to 165°F within 2 hours or discard
Document all corrective actions on Incident Log (binder, line station)
⚠️ Do NOT serve food held in the danger zone (41–135°F) for more than 4 hours
New Server First Week
Owner: GM · Timing: Days 1–5
Day 1: Menu tasting, POS training, shadow experienced server (lunch)
Day 2: Handle tables 1–4 with trainer present; review table map
Day 3: Solo section (max 3 tables), trainer on standby
Day 4: Full section, complete allergen quiz (must score 80%+)
Day 5: GM debrief, confirm uniform compliance, add to schedule
Salon Operations Playbook
Sample SOPs from a 6-chair hair salon. Covers client booking, sanitation protocols, stylist onboarding, and retail upsell procedures.
Client Arrival & Consultation
Owner: Front Desk · Timing: Each client visit
Greet by name within 30 seconds of arrival — check appointment system before shift
Offer beverage; hang coat/bag in designated client area
New client: complete intake form (allergies, scalp conditions, color history)
Stylist conducts 5-min consultation before touching hair — confirm goal, show reference
Quote time and price upfront. Changes mid-service require client approval before proceeding
Between-Client Sanitation Protocol
Owner: Each Stylist · Timing: After every client
Remove all hair from station and floor (broom + dustpan, not hands)
Wipe chair, armrests, headrest with EPA-registered disinfectant — let air dry 2 min
Disinfect all tools used: combs, clips, brushes — submerge in Barbicide 10 min
Replace cape with freshly laundered one
Log sanitation completion on station sheet (state license requirement)
⚠️ Barbicide must be mixed fresh daily — ratio 1oz per 32oz water
Retail Upsell at Checkout
Owner: Stylist + Front Desk · Timing: End of service
During blow-dry: mention 1–2 products you used and why — make it educational, not pushy
At checkout: "I pulled the shampoo I used today if you'd like to take it home"
Never recommend more than 2 products per visit
If client declines: "No worries — I'll note it for next time." No pressure, ever.
Log retail sale in appointment notes for commission tracking
Gym Operations Playbook
Sample SOPs from a 3,500 sq ft independent gym. Covers member onboarding, equipment safety, front desk protocols, and trainer standards.
New Member First Visit
Owner: Front Desk Staff · Timing: Day of signup
Issue key fob, photograph for member file, explain access hours
Walk facility tour: equipment zones, locker rooms, emergency exits
Review 3 safety rules: re-rack weights, wipe equipment, no chalk on cardio machines
Complimentary 30-min orientation with trainer (schedule before they leave)
Add to member app, send welcome email with class schedule link
Equipment Inspection & Out-of-Service Protocol
Owner: Opening Staff · Timing: Daily, 6 AM
Walk all cardio machines: test start/stop, check belts for fraying, wipe sensors
Inspect free weight area: all plates/dumbbells in racks, no loose collars on floor
Check cable machines: no fraying on cables, all attachments present and undamaged
Any damaged equipment: place "Out of Service" sign, tag in equipment log, notify manager
Do NOT remove Out of Service sign without written manager approval
⚠️ Liability risk: Never allow members to use equipment you haven't personally cleared
Trainer Session Standards
Owner: Lead Trainer · Timing: Every PT session
Arrive 5 min early — client should never wait for you
Log session start time, exercises, sets/reps, and notes in client file (paper or app)
Begin every session with 5-min warm-up; end with 3-min cooldown and form debrief
Do not modify training plan without re-assessment — flag any injury complaints to manager
At session end: confirm next appointment, offer water, note any equipment issues