Run Grocery Store Opening Manager Checklist — Free

Inspection Details

Store name / location

Opening date and time

Inspector / manager on duty

Opening status

First-On-Site Safety Walk

Emergency exits are unlocked, unobstructed, and clearly marked critical (required)

Verify exit routes are accessible from sales floor and back-of-house, with no blocked doors, stacked product, or carts in the path.

Yes No N/A

Fire extinguishers are present, mounted, accessible, and in inspection date critical (required)

Check that extinguishers are visible, not blocked, and have a current inspection tag or equivalent documented verification.

Yes No N/A

Aisles, entrances, and egress paths are free of slip, trip, and fall hazards critical (required)

Look for wet floors, loose mats, debris, pallets, cords, or product encroaching into walking-working surfaces.

Yes No N/A

Lighting is adequate in sales floor, stockroom, and receiving areas

Confirm lighting is functioning in customer areas, back-of-house paths, and any area used for opening tasks.

Yes No N/A

No visible electrical damage or unsafe temporary power use critical (required)

Check for frayed cords, exposed conductors, damaged outlets, overloaded power strips, or unsafe extension cord use.

Yes No N/A

Department Readiness

Produce department is stocked, rotated, and display cases are clean

Verify produce displays are merchandised, dated product is rotated, and visible surfaces are clean and free of spoilage.

Yes No N/A

Deli / prepared foods area is sanitized and ready for service

Confirm prep surfaces, utensils, and service areas are clean and that service equipment is ready for opening.

Yes No N/A

Meat / seafood department temperature controls are ready critical (required)

Verify cold-holding equipment is operating and product is within required temperature limits before service begins.

Yes No N/A

Bakery / prepared food display areas are clean and labeled

Check that labels, signage, and display conditions are ready for customer service and that no contamination risks are visible.

Yes No N/A

Stockroom and receiving area are organized and accessible

Verify pallets, carts, and stored materials do not block access to exits, panels, or required work areas.

Yes No N/A

Restrooms are clean, stocked, and operational

Check soap, paper towels or hand-drying supplies, toilet paper, and general cleanliness before opening.

Yes No N/A

Food Safety and Cold-Holding Readiness

Refrigerated cases are at acceptable operating temperature critical (required)

Frozen cases are at acceptable operating temperature critical (required)

Thermometers are available, clean, and calibrated or verified

Confirm probe thermometers or equivalent verification tools are available for opening temperature checks.

Yes No N/A

Handwashing stations are supplied and accessible critical (required)

Verify sinks have soap, paper towels or hand-drying method, and unobstructed access for employees.

Yes No N/A

PPE, Chemicals, and Back-of-House Controls

Required PPE is available for opening tasks

Verify task-appropriate PPE is available and used where required, such as gloves, eye protection, or slip-resistant footwear.

Yes No N/A

Chemical containers are labeled and stored properly critical (required)

Check that cleaning chemicals are in labeled containers and segregated from food, packaging, and employee break items.

Yes No N/A

Spill kits and cleanup supplies are available

Confirm spill response materials are stocked and accessible for chemical or food spill response.

Yes No N/A

Back-of-house doors, panels, and restricted areas are secure

Verify unauthorized access is controlled and that electrical panels, utility rooms, and restricted storage areas are not blocked.

Yes No N/A

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Run: Grocery Store Opening Manager Checklist

Inspection Details

First-On-Site Safety Walk

Department Readiness

Food Safety and Cold-Holding Readiness

PPE, Chemicals, and Back-of-House Controls

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