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Kitchen SOP Example and Free Template

Updated 2026-10-30

A clean close sets up the next shift and keeps the kitchen inspection-ready. Below is a complete kitchen closing SOP you can copy, followed by a generator that writes one for your own kitchen.

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What a good kitchen SOP covers

  • The order equipment is shut down and cleaned
  • How leftover food is cooled, labeled and stored
  • Chemicals, dilution and PPE for cleaning
  • Who checks the close and signs it off

Example SOP

Kitchen Closing and Line Cleaning SOP

Purpose
Shut down and clean the kitchen line at the end of service so it is safe, sanitary and ready for the next shift.
Scope
Applies to all line cooks and the closing kitchen lead.
Responsibilities
Closing kitchen lead · Line cooks · Dishwasher
Equipment & PPE
Degreaser and food-safe sanitizer · Scrub pads, scrapers and clean towels · Heat-resistant and chemical-resistant gloves · Date labels and food storage containers

Procedure

  1. 1

    Store leftover food

    Transfer leftover food into labeled, dated containers and move them to the cooler.

    Caution: Cool hot food using your site’s cooling method before covering it tightly.

  2. 2

    Turn off cooking equipment

    Switch off ovens, grills, fryers and burners and let them cool before cleaning.

    Caution: Never clean a fryer or grill while it is still hot.

  3. 3

    Scrape and degrease surfaces

    Scrape grill tops and flat tops, then apply degreaser to the hood filters and splash zones.

  4. 4

    Clean and sanitize prep surfaces

    Wash cutting boards and prep tables with soap and water, rinse, then apply sanitizer and let them air dry.

  5. 5

    Run the last dish load

    Wash, rinse and sanitize all remaining utensils and pans, and stack them to air dry.

  6. 6

    Sweep and mop the floor

    Sweep under the line, then mop with floor cleaner, working toward the drain.

    Caution: Place wet-floor signs while the floor dries.

  7. 7

    Take out trash and recycling

    Empty all bins, replace liners and close the dumpster lid.

  8. 8

    Final walk-through and sign-off

    The closing lead checks every station against the closing checklist and signs it.

Notes

  • Follow the chemical manufacturer’s dilution and contact-time instructions.
  • Report broken equipment on the maintenance log before leaving.

Turn this SOP into a training video

Each step becomes a short clip showing the action, with the step text alongside, for new staff to watch before their first shift.

See a video storyboard

Frequently asked questions

What is a kitchen SOP?
A step-by-step written procedure for a kitchen task, such as opening, closing, cooling food or cleaning equipment, so every cook does it the same safe way.
How detailed should a kitchen SOP be?
Detailed enough that a new cook can follow it without asking: one action per step, the tools and PPE needed, and a caution on any step with a burn, cut or chemical risk.
Can I adapt this to my kitchen?
Yes. Enter your own equipment and rules in the generator and it writes a kitchen SOP that follows them.

New to SOPs? Read how to write an SOP

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