When thinking about fast food, many immediately consider places like McDonald’s or Taco Bell. However, there are other fast food places on the rise. Wendy’s has greatly diversified their menu in the past few years, and they can expect big sales and growth ahead. A felon should look into this place; there is great opportunity to not only work, but to stay. Each Wendy’s is independently owned, and this allows for greater flexibility in the hiring process, but it does not guarantee a job for all felons that apply.

Short Answer: Since most Wendy’s restaurants are franchises and individually owned, felons will have a good chance of being hired. So yes Wendy’s does hire felons in most instances. Of course the nature of the felony conviction and the time since the sentence has been completed will play a part in if a Wendy’s restaurant will hire you or not.

Wendy’s Wants Carrier Driven Employees

Wendy’s opened their first restaurant in November of 1969. Less than 10 years later, they were international. In 1984, they had the most popular television commercial. “Where’s the beef?” is still quoted to this day. Throughout the years, this company has learned one thing: you cannot rely on the past. Within the past decade they have updated their logo and recipes to fit a more modern consumer. They also want their employees to be improving with the company. Most of their upper management started working hourly jobs; Wendy’s is committed to creating careers not just hiring workers.

What does this mean for felons?

It means that, if hired, there are long-term opportunities. There is a chance to better themselves and feel valued. Moving into a management position is a real possibility for many felons if they put their time in. If you can become an asset to Wendy’s they will treat you as one.

Background Check Limits

It is important to understand that some states have laws regarding how far back a criminal background check can go. This may affect whether Wendy’s will hire you or not. Here are the laws in each state.

Twelve states do not allow any felony conviction information older than seven years to be reported.

• California
• Colorado*
• Kansas*
• Maryland*
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire*
• New York *
• Texas *
• Washington*

(* exceptions based on pay/salary)

Some states will not report court cases where you were found NOT guilty: Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Alaska, California, New York and Michigan.

These states will report unlimited numbers of years back of felony convictions and also report NOT guilty verdicts: Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Applying to Wendy’s

To apply go to Wendy’s career page. They will then ask where and what position you want. Corporate jobs are traditional office jobs and require a college degree. Most felons do not have one and may feel more comfortable with a position in Operations or Crew (managers and cashiers, respectively). They will also need to type in the city they will be working in.

Once all of this is completed, they will be shown a list of all available positions. It will then redirect you to where the application can be completed online. Some stores do require an applicant to personally hand one in, and other require a phone call. Regardless, a felon should try to make a face-to-face appointment with the manager before applying in any fashion. He should discuss the situation, and he should provide references that he is a reliable worker.

Advancement at Wendy’s

Most Wendy’s are owned independently, and each manager has their own hiring standards. By being proactive, the felon can influence the store to pick them. They can also work there without fear of being fired for lying or hiding their past. If they continue to work hard, they can apply for salaried positions and become eligible for tuition scholarships and healthcare!

A Few Points

Wendy’s, although not immediately considered, is one of the biggest companies in America. They are in the business of improving, and they carry that message on to their employees. They want their workers to move up in the company, and will even pay for school. A felon can have a great, long future at Wendy’s, but they need to be honest. They need to discuss their unique situation to the manager of their desired store. It may take years to fully gain their trust, but it will all be worth it in the end.