Last Updated On: 02/12/2026
Quick Answer
Yes, Waffle House does hire people with felony convictions. They do not have a publicly advertised second-chance hiring program, but they also do not have a blanket ban on applicants with felony records. Hiring decisions are made case-by-case and often at the store manager level which is a good thing!
Waffle House Felon-Friendly Score™
38.5 / 50 – Highly Felon-Friendly
Industry Type (Restaurant Work) — 7/10
Restaurants historically offer more second-chance opportunities than large corporate retail employers. The only downside is that the pay can be lower than average.
Store-Level Hiring Discretion — 9/10
Many Waffle House locations allow local managers significant hiring authority. This is excellent new for people with criminal records.
Background Check Policy — 8/10
Background checks are common but felonies are not automatic disqualifiers.
Corporate Restrictions — 6/10
The good news is that they don’t have blanket policies preventing felons from being hired.
Second Chance Ethics — 8.5/10
There is no formal second-chance policy or public commitment to fair-chance hiring. With that being said Waffle House is as close to being a second chance employer as possible without truly being one.
Comparison to Other Major Employers
| Employer | Overall Accessibility to Felons |
|---|---|
| Waffle House | High |
| McDonald’s | Moderate – High |
| Walmart | Moderate – Low |
| Target | Moderate – Low |
| Dollar General | Moderate – High |
Restaurant employers with decentralized hiring authority like Waffle House typically provide more opportunity than highly centralized corporate retailers.
Waffle House Background Checks
All locations conduct background checks after a conditional offer of employment. If you have a felony the hiring manager will look at the following.
- Type of felony
- How long ago it occurred
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Employment stability
Background check results can vary by state. Some states have laws regarding how far back employers can check your criminal history, often 7 years. This can have a major impact on who Waffle House hires and where they will hire them. Learn more about how background check laws work and how they may affect employment screening.
Best Positions to Apply For
Applicants are more likely to be considered for entry-level roles such as the following.
- Grill Operator (Cook)
- Server
- Dishwasher / Utility
Management positions typically involve stricter screening due to cash handling and supervisory responsibility.
Waffle House Pay Scale (2026 Estimates Only)
- Grill Operator: $12–$18 per hour
- Server: $2–$5 per hour + tips
- Dishwasher: $11–$15 per hour
- Unit Manager: $65,000–$85,000 per year
Disclaimer: Pay varies by location, experience, and performance. Servers often earn significantly more through tips. These are only estimates gathered from Waffle House.
How to Improve Your Chances of Being Hired
- Apply in person when possible.
- Be honest if asked about your record but say nothing until it is brought up.
- Bring references.
- Demonstrate reliability and stability.
- Highlight work history since your conviction.
Example of what to say if asked about your felony record (don’t over do it, keep it simple):
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and have worked steadily since then. I’m committed to reliability and growth.”
Restaurants prioritize dependability and performance. If your not there people don’t get their food!
Is Waffle House Second-Chance Friendly?
Waffle House does not describe itself as a formal “second chance employer,” yet many applicants with criminal records report being hired. The company is as close to being a second chance employer as it can be without actually being one.
- Yes they hire felons on a case-by-case basis and often do.
- No, they don’t guarantee it.
- Success often depends on offense type, timing, and job duties.
Other factors like labor shortages can influence their decision regarding hiring decisions.
Can You Be Promoted With a Felony?
Promotion is possible but it usually comes with additional screening. Managers and higher-level roles often require deeper background checks. This can make advancement harder early on, but strong performance after hiring can build trust and reduce the weight of past records. Generally speaking Waffle house will promote from within and will value your service over your record.
Trying to get promoted is well worth your time since unit managers (Restaurant Managers) make $65,000–$85,000 per year.
Industry Insight: Why Restaurant Jobs Can Be Good For Felons
The restaurant industry experiences some of the highest turnover rates in the United States. Because of this, managers often prioritize reliability, availability, and work ethic over a perfectly clean background.
At Waffle House, almost all hiring decisions are made at the store level. Local managers will evaluate applicants based on many other factors than a criminal record. If they hire a solid worker their life is easier.
What they want to see from you:
- Consistency in past employment (doesn’t have to be perfect)
- Attitude and professionalism
- Willingness to work difficult shifts
- Demonstrated responsibility since conviction
- Passion for the food and restaurant industry
While serious or recent felonies can still be barriers, restaurant employers like Waffle House are generally more flexible than large corporate retailers with centralized hiring policies.
What to Do If You’re Denied by Waffle House
- Apply at other employers that hire felons
- Pursue expungement or record sealing (if eligible)
- Seek jobs with fewer background requirements
Related Employer Information
If Waffle Hose doesn’t hire you may want to look into these companies or visit our main jobs page.
- Does Wendy’s Hire Felons
- Does Target Hire Felons
- Does Costco Hire Felons
- Does Amazon Hire Felons
- Does Dollar General Hire Felons
FAQ – Waffle House & Felony Records
This is possible but you will have to check with the on site manager to know for sure. It depends on your probation terms and the store’s discretion. Many entry-level restaurant roles do not conflict with standard probation requirements, but approval is not guaranteed.
No.
It is possible, but significantly less likely than other crimes — especially if the conviction is recent. Time passed and proof of rehabilitation are critical factors.
Theft and fraud convictions can create problems sometimes, particularly for positions involving cash handling or management. Entry-level kitchen roles may present a better opportunity than server or supervisory roles.
Disclaimer
Hiring policies vary by location and change over time. Information on this page is based on reported hiring experiences and publicly available data and is not a guarantee of employment. Nothing on this site should be considered legal advice.