📋 Pre-Flight Operational Checklist

The Pop-Up Restaurant Checklist: Launching Your First Supper Club

Printable pre-flight checklist for pop-up chefs. Every legal requirement, equipment pack list, food costing check, and table preparation step before doors open.

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Culinary ChecklistsBook a Cooking Class Magazine

⏱️ 5 min read•Updated for 2026

Phase 1:30 Days Out (Foundations & Legal)

Venue Agreement Signed: Flat buyout fee or revenue split confirmed with dates and load-in windows.Liability Insurance: $1M occurrence policy active with venue named as Certificate Holder.Health Permit Filed: Temporary food permit application submitted to municipal health department.

Phase 2:14 Days Out (Costing & Ticketing)

Menu Costed: Ingredient expenditure budgeted strictly under 28% of projected ticket revenue.Waitlist Drop Blast: Secret ticket link emailed exclusively to waitlist subscribers.Rentals Secured: Extra wine glasses, cloth napkins, and plating bowls booked with local party rental.

Phase 3:72 Hours Out (Dietary & Production)

Allergy Confirmation: Dietary restrictions confirmed with all ticketholders; alternatives planned.Wholesale Sourcing Complete: Proteins and produce picked up and safely refrigerated.Printed Menus Ready: Custom menus printed on heavy cardstock with course pairing notes.

Phase 4: Day-Of Chef Kit Packing List

Culinary Tool Kit:

• Chef knives & honing steel in roll

• Digital probe thermometer & infrared temp gun

• Offset spatulas, plating tweezers & spoons

• 4x Kitchen timers with loud beepers

Safety & Sanitation Kit:

• Nitrile food service gloves (2 boxes)

• Sanitizer bucket + test strips

• Color-coded labeling tape + Sharpies

• First aid kit (burn gel, finger cots, bandages)

Previous Guide← Part 6: Marketing & Waitlists

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