According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 77 million Americans have a criminal record, which equals roughly 1 in 3 adults. For the 19 million people living with a felony conviction, securing employment can feel like an uphill battle. Restaurants and fast-food chains often serve as a gateway for reentry into the workforce. Taco Bell, one of the largest fast-food chains in the United States with over 7,500 locations, is a major employer.
Why Employment for Felons Matters?
Before diving into Taco Bell’s specific hiring practices, let’s understand the bigger picture.
- 77 million Americans have criminal records, including misdemeanors and felonies.
- About 19 million adults in the U.S. have felony convictions as of 2025.
- A study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that the unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated people is 27%, which is nearly five times higher than the general unemployment rate.
That’s why companies like Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and Walmart play a critical role in second-chance hiring. Their policies can make or break someone’s opportunity to rebuild life after prison.
Does Taco Bell Hire Felons in 2025?
Yes, Taco Bell can hire individuals with felony convictions, but hiring decisions depend on multiple factors such as:
- Type of felony – Non-violent offenses (e.g., drug possession, theft, fraud) stand a higher chance compared to violent crimes (assault, armed robbery, sex offenses).
- Time since conviction – Felonies that happened 5–10 years ago are viewed more favorably than recent convictions.
- Position applied for – Entry-level roles like team member or cook are more accessible than management or corporate positions.
- Location & state laws – Some states have Ban the Box laws, which prevent employers from asking about criminal history during the initial application stage.
- Franchise ownership – About 93% of Taco Bell restaurants are franchise-owned, meaning each location’s hiring policies may differ slightly.
Taco Bell does not have a blanket policy against hiring felons, but it’s not a guaranteed “yes” either.
Taco Bell’s Hiring Process for Applicants With a Record
1. Online or In-Person Application
Applicants can apply online through Taco Bell’s official careers website or by walking into a restaurant. Some locations have paper applications available.
- Most forms will ask about prior convictions.
- In Ban the Box states (like California, Minnesota, and Illinois), this question only comes up later in the hiring process.
2. Interview
If selected, applicants attend a short interview with a hiring manager. Common questions include:
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “Tell me about a time you worked on a team.”
- “Do you have reliable transportation?”
If asked about criminal history, honesty matters. Employers usually prefer candidates who explain what happened, show accountability, and highlight personal growth.
3. Background Check
Taco Bell typically runs background checks, especially for positions involving cash handling or management.
- Background checks may cover the last 7 years, depending on state law.
- Some states restrict employers from considering older convictions (for example, California excludes non-violent felonies older than 7 years).
- Violent or sexual offenses are the most likely to disqualify an applicant.
4. Final Hiring Decision
The franchise owner or hiring manager makes the final call. Many locations are open to second-chance hiring, especially for entry-level roles.
What Types of Jobs Can Felons Get at Taco Bell?
Taco Bell offers a variety of positions, and felons are more likely to be considered for some roles than others.
Entry-Level Roles (Most Accessible)
- Team Member – Taking orders, working the register, food prep.
- Cook – Kitchen prep, assembling menu items.
- Cashier – Customer service and transactions.
Conditional Roles (Possible but Tougher)
- Shift Lead – Supervising team members, handling money.
- Assistant Manager – Requires more trust and leadership experience.
Rare for Felons
- Restaurant General Manager – Full responsibility for store operations.
- Corporate Roles – Finance, HR, or corporate leadership positions usually require a clean record.
State Laws That Affect Felons Applying at Taco Bell
- Ban the Box States – These states restrict when employers can ask about criminal history. Examples: California, Illinois, New Jersey.
- Seven-Year Limit States – Background checks can’t go back further than 7 years. Examples: New York, Texas, Colorado.
- No Limit States – Employers can consider your entire criminal history. Examples: Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin.
This means an applicant with a felony conviction in California might face fewer barriers than someone applying in Florida.
Tips for Felons Applying to Taco Bell
- Be Honest – Lying on an application can lead to instant disqualification.
- Focus on Skills – Highlight customer service, teamwork, or food service experience.
- Show Growth – Talk about rehabilitation, classes, or work programs completed.
- Get References – Letters from former employers, parole officers, or community leaders help.
- Apply in Person – Meeting the manager face-to-face can make a stronger impression.
- Target Entry-Level Roles – These are the most common stepping stones into employment.
Experiences From Felons Who Applied at Taco Bell?
- Case 1 (Positive): A candidate in Texas with a 10-year-old drug conviction was hired as a cook. The manager emphasized his honesty during the interview.
- Case 2 (Mixed): In Ohio, an applicant with a theft conviction was rejected after a background check flagged the charge, even though the interview went well.
- Case 3 (Positive): A woman in California with a past felony fraud charge was hired as a cashier after explaining her rehabilitation process.
These stories show that results vary depending on location, offense type, and the manager’s discretion.
Alternatives If Taco Bell Doesn’t Hire You
If Taco Bell doesn’t work out, many other employers are considered more felon-friendly:
- Fast Food & Restaurants: McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Subway.
- Retail: Walmart, Target, Costco.
- Logistics: Amazon Warehouse, UPS, FedEx.
- Construction & Trades: Local contractors, staffing agencies.
Many of these companies have second-chance hiring initiatives and may be more flexible than others.
Final Thought
Taco Bell does not have a strict “no felons” policy, and many applicants with records have successfully secured jobs. However, factors like the type of felony, the time since conviction, state laws, and individual franchise policies play a huge role in the outcome.
For felons seeking a second chance, Taco Bell can be a good starting point—especially for entry-level positions. The best approach? Apply honestly, show personal growth, and focus on proving reliability.
FAQs
Does Taco Bell do background checks?
Yes, Taco Bell generally conducts background checks, but the scope varies by state law and franchise policy.
Can a violent felony disqualify you?
Yes, violent felonies such as assault, armed robbery, or sexual offenses are often disqualifiers.
How far back does Taco Bell look into background checks?
Typically 7 years, but in states with no limit, older convictions may appear.
Can felons get promoted at Taco Bell?
Yes, but progression beyond entry-level roles depends on performance, reliability, and the nature of past convictions.
Should I disclose my felony during the interview?
Yes—if asked. Always be upfront, because background checks will reveal it anyway.
