Does Waffle House Hire Felons? Hiring Policy, Background Checks & Second Chance Employment

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), nearly 77 million Americans—about 1 in 3 adults—have a criminal record. That’s a massive number, and it explains why finding steady work after incarceration remains one of the toughest challenges for returning citizens. One employer that often sparks curiosity is Waffle House, a famous 24/7 diner chain known for its comfort food and Southern hospitality.

Founded in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia, Waffle House has grown into a Southern icon with 1,900+ locations across 25 states. Known for its around-the-clock service and affordable meals, Waffle House is equally recognized for offering entry-level job opportunities with relatively low hiring barriers compared to other large corporations.

Common positions include:

• Grill Operators (cooks)
• Servers
• Dishwashers
• Shift Supervisors
• Managers-in-Training

Because many roles require customer interaction and cash handling, companies like Waffle House often conduct background checks to ensure safety and reliability.

Does Waffle House Hire Felons?

Yes, Waffle House does hire felons—but not in every case.

Based on employee testimonies, online job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor, and state-level employment resources, Waffle House has a reputation for being “felon-friendly.” However, hiring decisions depend on several factors:

1. Type of Felony – Non-violent and non-financial crimes stand a better chance compared to convictions involving theft, violence, or fraud.
2. Time Since Conviction – Recent convictions may raise red flags, while older records (5+ years) may be less of an issue.
3. Position Applied For – Back-of-house jobs (like dishwashing and cooking) may be more accessible than cashier or management roles.
4. State Laws – Some states restrict how far back employers can check criminal records.

While Waffle House doesn’t have a published “second chance hiring policy,” multiple reports suggest they give applicants with records a fair shot—especially in entry-level positions.

Learn More: Felony Drug Charges: Penalties, Consequences & Laws

Waffle House and Background Checks

Most applicants report that Waffle House runs background checks during the hiring process. Here’s what typically happens:

• Application Stage: You’ll be asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime. Honesty is crucial here.
• Interview Stage: Hiring managers may ask about your history. This is your chance to explain your situation.
• Background Check: A third-party service usually runs a criminal history check. In some cases, results take a few days.

What They Look For?

• Felony or misdemeanor convictions
• Recent criminal activity
• Charges related to theft, assault, or drugs

Laws vary by state. For example, California’s “Ban the Box” law prohibits asking about criminal history on job applications. States like Illinois, New York, and Minnesota have similar protections.

Reviews of Employee

To get a clearer picture, let’s look at feedback from real applicants and employees:

• On Indeed, several former workers mention that Waffle House hired them despite past felonies, particularly for roles like grill operator or dishwasher.
• On Reddit’s r/Jobs, some users claim Waffle House gave them their “first real chance” after prison, provided they were upfront during the interview.
• A Georgia-based reentry program lists Waffle House among companies known to hire ex-offenders, although results vary by location.

While not a guaranteed job, these experiences highlight that Waffle House is more open than many national chains.

Tips for Felons Applying at Waffle House

Applying for a job with a record can feel intimidating, but preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to boost your chances:

1. Be Honest: Lying about your background almost always backfires.
2. Emphasize Soft Skills: Highlight reliability, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
3. Start Entry-Level: Back-of-house jobs may be easier to land than customer-facing roles.
4. Show Growth: Talk about training programs, volunteer work, or certifications you’ve completed since your conviction.
5. Get References: A letter from a parole officer, mentor, or previous employer can make a big difference.

Waffle House Compared to Other Employers

If Waffle House isn’t hiring in your area, here are other felon-friendly companies known for second-chance employment:

• Home Depot – Known to hire for warehouse and retail positions.
• UPS – Offers package handler roles with lower hiring barriers.
• Goodwill Industries – Often partners with reentry programs.
• Popeyes & KFC – Fast food chains that have hired individuals with records.
• Manufacturing & Warehousing Companies – Many operate with strong “second chance” policies.

Compared to these, Waffle House ranks as a moderately accessible employer, especially for entry-level food service work.

Final Thought

So, does Waffle House hire felons? The answer is yes—but with conditions. The diner chain doesn’t publicly market itself as a second-chance employer, yet real-world experiences show that applicants with non-violent and older convictions stand a solid chance, especially in entry-level roles.

If you’re applying, remember these three things:

• Honesty beats hiding.
• Preparation beats chance.
• Persistence beats rejection.

Waffle House can be a stepping stone toward rebuilding a stable career, and for many, it’s one of the few national employers willing to give someone a real second chance.

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