Free from STLFSE
The Restaurant Owner’s Playbook
Open it. Run it. Grow it.
Guides to read, tools to use and checklists to print, organized the way a restaurant actually happens. New here? Start Here.
Guide
Read it
How something works. Read it once, then come back when you need it.
Tool
Use it
Does the math for you. Use it every week, or every shift.
Printable
Print it
Checklists, logs and SOPs from the Owner’s Binder. Print them and put them to work.
01
Open it
From first menu to opening day. Plan in this order: menu, then space, then codes, then equipment.
Guides
Guide
Kitchen Opening Playbook
Menu, space, codes and equipment, step by step, with your plan saved as you go. Free sign-up.
Tools
Printables
02
Run it
The systems that keep a kitchen steady: the same steps every shift, and numbers you check every week.
Guides
Guide
Run Your Kitchen
Kitchen talk, the grill clock, FIFO, mise en place, a day’s rhythm and writing SOPs.
Guide
23 step-by-step SOPs
Receiving, cooling, allergens, sick employees, fryer oil, power outages and more.
Tools
Printables
Printable
Every-shift forms
Opening and closing checklists, line check, prep list, temperature, cooling and receiving logs.
Printable
Weekly and monthly forms
Deep cleaning, equipment service calendar, inventory count, pest log.
Printable
Station card
Mise en place for each station, with a spot for a photo of the finished setup. Page C4.
03
Grow it
A second location, better equipment, or selling what you’ve outgrown.
Guides
Guide
Selling equipment the right way
Six steps and every way to sell, from dealer buyout to auction.
Guide
Buying used without getting burned
The checklist for refrigeration, cooking, ice and dish machines.
Tools
Services
More free tools
Made by others, listed with credit
Other people and companies make good free tools too. We link to them and give them credit.
Talk to STLFSE
Buying, selling or stuck on a question?
Tell us what you’re working on. We buy whole kitchens and single pieces, sell new and used equipment, and answer questions for free.
heard@stlfse.com
General information to help you think things through, not legal, financial or code advice. Rules vary by city and county; confirm with your local health, building and fire officials.