Closing Checklist

Your complete end-of-day routine for shutting down Muse & Co. Start winding down 15 minutes before close so you can leave at a reasonable time.

Plan Ahead

Stop taking new orders 15 minutes before closing time. This gives you a head start on cleanup while the last customers finish their drinks.

Closing Times

Day	Closing Time	Stop Taking Orders
Tuesday - Friday	7:00 PM	6:45 PM
Saturday - Sunday	8:00 PM	7:45 PM

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Closing Procedure

1. Wind Down Service (15 min before close)

• [ ] Stop taking new drink orders
• [ ] Politely let any remaining customers know that you are closing soon
• [ ] Begin pre-cleaning tasks while customers finish up

2. Boba and Drink Prep Cleanup

• [ ] Discard all remaining boba pearls (4-hour freshness rule — never save them for tomorrow)
• [ ] Pour out any remaining brewed teas that will not keep overnight
• [ ] Empty and rinse all blenders thoroughly
• [ ] Clean all shaker cups and shaker tins
• [ ] Wash all utensils (spoons, ladles, measuring cups)
• [ ] Rinse and wipe down all syrup pump bottles — check for sticky residue
• [ ] Put away all perishable ingredients in the fridge
• [ ] Cover or seal any dry ingredients

Boba Freshness

Never save leftover boba for the next day. Cooked boba pearls go bad after 4 hours and will have a gummy, unpleasant texture. Always discard at closing.

3. Espresso Machine Cleaning

• [ ] Backflush the espresso machine with cleaning solution (follow the posted backflush guide)
• [ ] Wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth — remove all milk residue
• [ ] Empty the knock box and rinse it out
• [ ] Wipe down the exterior of the machine
• [ ] Empty and clean the drip tray
• [ ] Turn off the espresso machine

4. Clean the Drink Station

• [ ] Wipe down all counters and prep surfaces
• [ ] Clean the area around the blenders and tea brewers
• [ ] Empty and clean all drip trays
• [ ] Wipe down the hot water dispenser exterior (do not turn it off)
• [ ] Sanitize the drink pickup area

Leave the Hot Water Dispenser On

The hot water dispenser stays on overnight. It takes a long time to heat up from cold and leaving it on uses minimal energy. Turn off everything else.

5. Clean the Customer Area

• [ ] Clear all tables of cups, napkins, and trash
• [ ] Wipe down every table and chair
• [ ] Straighten all seating
• [ ] Check under tables and chairs for forgotten items or trash
• [ ] If art supplies were out for Paint & Boba or Sit and Paint:
  • [ ] Wash and dry all brushes
  • [ ] Clean palettes and water cups
  • [ ] Put away easels, canvases, and aprons
  • [ ] Remove table coverings and wipe down tables underneath

6. Floors

• [ ] Sweep the entire floor — behind the counter and the customer area
• [ ] Mop the floor with the appropriate cleaning solution
• [ ] Check the restroom: clean, restock if needed

7. Trash and Recycling

• [ ] Empty all trash cans (behind counter, customer area, restroom)
• [ ] Replace trash bags
• [ ] Take trash and recycling out to the dumpster area
• [ ] Wipe down trash can exteriors if they are sticky or dirty

8. Cash and POS

• [ ] Count the cash drawer carefully
• [ ] Record the closing count in the POS system
• [ ] Close out the register at staff.ncmuse.co/pos
• [ ] Secure the cash drawer in its designated spot

Cash Count

If the closing count does not match the expected total, double-check your math and look for any missed transactions. Note any discrepancy and report it to the manager at hello@ncmuse.co.

9. Secure and Lock Up

• [ ] Lock all display cases
• [ ] Check that all equipment is turned off:
  • [ ] Espresso machine — OFF
  • [ ] Blenders — OFF
  • [ ] Tea brewers — OFF
  • [ ] Hot water dispenser — LEAVE ON
• [ ] Turn off the music / ambient sound
• [ ] Turn off all lights
• [ ] Set the alarm system
• [ ] Lock the front door
• [ ] Check the door — pull on it to make sure it is fully locked and secure

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End-of-Day Summary

Category	Key Actions
Drinks	Discard boba, dump old tea, clean all equipment
Espresso	Backflush, wipe steam wand, turn off
Surfaces	Wipe all counters, tables, and chairs
Floors	Sweep and mop everything
Trash	Empty all cans, take out trash and recycling
POS	Count cash, close register, secure drawer
Security	Lock cases, set alarm, lock door, confirm it is secure

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Last updated: March 2026