Last Updated: 03/12/2026
If you have a felony on your record and you’re thinking about applying to Applebee’s, this guide will give you realistic, straightforward information without hype or false promises.
That matters because Applebee’s is not always hiring through one rigid national process. At many locations, local operators and managers still have meaningful say. For applicants with older or nonviolent convictions, that can make Applebee’s a better opportunity than more centralized employers.
Quick Answer
Yes, Applebee’s will hire felons, and it is one of the better major restaurant chains to try, especially for kitchen, support, and other entry level roles. It is not a guaranteed yes at every location, but Applebee’s stands out for a few reasons:
- It is heavily franchise based, so some locations are more flexible than others. A huge plus for felons.
- They hire for a wide range of easy to get restaurant jobs, not just a few limited positions.
- Managers often care more about reliability, attitude, and availability than a polished background
- Kitchen and support roles can be realistic entry points for people trying to rebuild work history.
In plain English, Applebee’s is not perfect, but it is absolutely worth applying to.
Applebee’s Felon Friendly Score™
40 / 50 – Moderate High, Real Hiring Opportunity
Applebee’s is not a guaranteed second chance employer, but it is a strong target because it combines high restaurant demand with franchise level hiring variation.
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Type, Casual Dining Restaurant | 8/10 | Restaurants usually offer more practical entry points than many other industries. |
| Store Count / Opportunity | 9/10 | Applebee’s has a large footprint, which gives applicants more chances. |
| Background Check Reality | 7/10 | Screening may happen, but the process can vary by operator and location. |
| Customer / Trust Sensitivity | 7/10 | Some roles involve cash handling, alcohol service, or extra responsibility. |
| Second Chance Practicality | 9/10 | Kitchen and support jobs can be strong starting points. |
How Applebee’s Hiring Actually Works
Applebee’s hiring is usually simple and straight forword.
- You apply online through the Applebee’s jobs site or a local careers page
- A manager will contact you.
- You interview
- If they want to move forward, they may complete onboarding steps that can include a background check.
The key thing to understand is that Applebee’s is not one perfectly uniform system. Because so many locations are franchised, local decision makers often have real input. That can help applicants with records, especially when a manager is focused more on who will show up, work hard, and stay dependable.
Does Applebee’s Run Background Checks?
Sometimes, yes. Background checks can be part of the hiring process in at least some cases. But, because Applebee’s is so franchise heavy, the exact process can vary greatly. Some locations may not even run a background check. Others may care much more about whether you seem reliable, coachable, and ready to work (weekends).
State Laws and Background Check Rules for Applebee’s
State laws about background checks can affect what an employer can ask and when they can ask it.
Why that matters to you.
- Don’t assume you need to tell them about your felony. Do the research about any local or state laws regarding criminal records and employers.
- Some state laws limit how far back a criminal record search can go, often seven years. There are many nuances to this though.
- Some States have laws prohibiting you from having to disclose your felony recorded until after your interview. Also called Ban The Box laws.
What Positions Are More Felon Friendly at Applebee’s?
These are usually the best roles to target first when you apply.
More Flexible Positions (Easy to get)
• Dishwasher
• Cook
• Prep cook
• Busser
• Host
• To go staff
These jobs tend to be the most realistic because they are practical, high need roles where managers often care most about reliability, pace, and willingness to help. Not a criminal record!
Harder Positions to Get
• Bartender
• Server, in some locations
• Shift lead or key carrying roles
• Assistant manager
• General manager
What Convictions Usually Cause the Most Problems?
Even at a more flexible employer, some convictions tend to create more concern. But this does not mean you have no hope! Still apply!
- Recent Theft, fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes
- Recent violent offenses
- Serious sex offenses
- Recent serious charges or open cases
- Alcohol related issues tied to bartender or alcohol service work
- Probation or parole restrictions that interfere with schedule, transportation, or late shifts
Older, nonviolent convictions are often easier to work around, especially if you have stayed out of trouble and can show recent stability.
What Should I Say in an Applebee’s Interview if I Have a Felony?
Nothing unless you’re asked. If they ask, keep it short, calm, and focused on the future:
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and I’ve been focused on work and moving forward. I’m dependable, I show up, and I’m ready to work.”
That is usually the right tone. It owns the past without dragging the interview into a long story, and it brings the focus back to what managers care about most.
Real World Strategy to Get Hired at Applebee’s With a Felony
Applebee’s is often a numbers game plus presentation.
Step 1: Apply online
Most hiring starts there.
Step 2: Apply to multiple locations
One franchise group may be strict. Another may be much more open. If you have multiple locations near you under different franchisees apply to both.
Step 3: Target kitchen and support roles first
Dishwasher, cook, prep, busser, host, and to go jobs are usually the best first targets.
Step 4: Show up and introduce yourself
Keep it simple:
“I applied online and wanted to introduce myself.”
That small step can help because restaurant hiring is often fast and manager driven.
Step 5: Sell what managers actually need
• Open availability
• Weekend and evening willingness
• Transportation
• Calm attitude
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to handle pressure
• Willingness to clean, prep, and help wherever needed
For many Applebee’s managers, those traits matter more than a perfect past.
Applebee’s Hiring Readiness Checklist
☐ My conviction is older
☐ I’ve stayed out of trouble since
☐ I have work history or references
☐ I can work evenings, weekends, or late shifts
☐ I’m applying to dishwasher, cook, prep, host, busser, or to go roles first
☐ I can explain my past briefly if asked
☐ I’m applying to multiple locations
| Checks Completed | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| 6 to 7 checks | Strong chance |
| 4 to 5 checks | Very possible |
| 2 to 3 checks | Harder, but still worth applying |
Applebee’s Pay Scale, Typical Ranges 2026
| Position | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher | About $13.05/hour |
| Cook | About $13.42/hour |
| Prep Cook / Line Cook | About $16.44 to $17.19/hour |
| Host | About $11.66/hour |
| To Go Specialist | About $14.53/hour |
| Server | About $18.16/hour total average |
| Bartender | About $18.02/hour total average |
| Assistant Manager | About $48,000 to $58,000/year, with Indeed average around $52,299/year |
| Restaurant Manager | About $58,453/year average |
Pay varies a lot by state, city, tipped status, and franchise operator, so local listings matter most. Because Applebee’s is so franchise driven, local job postings usually tell you more than broad national averages.
Promotion Potential
Promotion is very possible. A common path looks something like this.
Dishwasher / Host / To Go / Cook → Strong shift performance → Trainer or lead responsibility → Management
For people with records, the smartest approach is usually simple: get in first, build trust, then move up
That is one reason Applebee’s can be a solid restart employer. You do not need to win the whole game at the first interview. You need a way in.
Reality Check
Applebee’s is a realistic and often underrated option for people with felony records. It has a large number of locations, common restaurant jobs, and a franchise structure that can create more hiring flexibility than many corporate employers.
It is not a guaranteed yes, but it is one of the better chains to try, your chances go up even further if your conviction is older, you target the right roles first, and you apply to more than one location if possible.
What It’s Like to Work at Applebee’s
Working at Applebee’s is usually fast paced, team driven restaurant work. Depending on the position, you may greet guests, run food, wash dishes, prep ingredients, cook on the line, handle takeout orders, or serve tables.
For someone rebuilding, that can be a real advantage. Restaurant work gives you a chance to prove yourself through consistency, effort, attitude, and reliability, often much faster than more formal industries.
Applebee’s FAQ
Often yes. Back of the house, or kitchen jobs like dishwasher, prep cook, and line cook are usually some of the most realistic starting points for felons because they are practical roles where dependability matters a lot.
Sometimes, yes. Server jobs can be a little harder than kitchen jobs because they are customer facing.
Often yes, drug charges are easier to work with than theft, fraud, or recent violence.
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Disclaimer
HelpForFelons.org is not affiliated with Applebee’s. Hiring policies vary by location and can change at any time. This guide is informational and does not guarantee employment.