Quick Answer
Yes, Applebee’s hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With neighborhood grill and bar locations across the United States, most of them franchise-operated, Applebee’s hires for kitchen, server, host, and other restaurant jobs. The role, the offense, time passed, and local law all matter.
Starting pay typically ranges from $12–$16/ hour plus tips, with servers often earning $18–$30/ hour total. Because most Applebee’s restaurants are franchise-owned, hiring decisions are made locally—giving applicants with records a real opportunity to be considered.
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About Applebee’s
Applebee’s, founded in 1980, is one of the largest casual dining chains in the U.S. Known as “America’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill,” Applebee’s offers a menu of burgers, steaks, and comfort food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Most locations are franchise-owned, meaning they are operated by independent owners who manage their own hiring.
This structure benefits applicants with criminal backgrounds because different franchise groups may have different standards—some being more flexible than others. Applebee’s restaurants often value personality, reliability, and teamwork more than perfect work histories.
Their “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood” philosophy extends to creating local opportunities, providing stable work in familiar community settings with training, advancement, and regular tips.
Does Applebee’s Hire People with Felonies?
Yes. Applebee’s franchise owners hire on a case-by-case basis. The company does not have a blanket corporate policy that excludes people with felonies. Instead, each franchise group and local manager makes independent hiring decisions.
Franchise operators consider:
The nature and age of the conviction
Job relevance (e.g., alcohol-related offenses for bartending roles)
Demonstrated rehabilitation and reliability
Staffing needs and available positions
Time since conviction or completion of probation/parole
Many Applebee’s locations have successfully hired individuals with prior drug, theft, or non-violent convictions. Offenses involving violence or sexual crimes are reviewed more cautiously, particularly for customer-facing roles.
Applicants can improve their chances by applying to multiple Applebee’s restaurants—since each is independently managed, hiring flexibility varies widely.
Available Jobs at Applebee’s
Server
($2–$5/ hour base + tips, total $18–$30/ hour)
Takes food and drink orders, serves meals, processes payments, and provides friendly guest service. Ideal entry role with high tips and flexible shifts.
Bartender
($2–$5/ hour base + tips, total $22–$35/ hour)
Prepares drinks, serves bar customers, handles tabs, and supports food service. Typically promoted from server positions; strong weekend earning potential.
Cook / Line Cook
($13–$18/ hour)
Prepares menu items, operates cooking stations, ensures food quality, and follows safety standards. Good fit for those preferring kitchen work over guest service.
Dishwasher
($11–$15/ hour)
Operates dishwashing equipment, maintains kitchen cleanliness, and assists cooks. Entry-level position with minimal public interaction.
Host / Hostess
($11–$14/ hour)
Greets guests, manages seating, and coordinates waitlists. Excellent front-of-house starting role that can lead to server positions.
Busser
($10–$13/ hour + tips, total $13–$18/ hour)
Clears tables, resets dining areas, and supports servers. Physically active job ideal for quick learners and team players.
To-Go Specialist
($11–$15/ hour)
Prepares carryout orders, ensures accuracy, and manages phone or online requests. Growing role due to increased takeout demand.
Shift Manager
($15–$21/ hour or $32,000–$44,000/year ≈ $15–$21/ hour)
Supervises team operations, resolves issues, and ensures service quality. Usually promoted from within after consistent performance.
General Manager
($50,000–$75,000/year ≈ $24–$36/ hour)
Oversees full restaurant operations, manages budgets, and trains staff. Many general managers began as servers, cooks, or dishwashers.
Background Check Process
Applebee’s background checks depend on each franchise group. The general process includes:
Submitting an application (online or in-person).
Interviewing with the hiring manager or general manager.
Receiving a conditional offer.
Authorizing a background check.
Background review (typically within 5–7 business days).
Final hiring decision by franchise or local management.
Most checks cover the past seven years and verify criminal history, identity, and sometimes past employment. Drug testing varies—some franchises do it post-offer, while others do not test at all.
Because Applebee’s is franchise-based, the level of screening differs. Applying to several locations increases the likelihood of finding a flexible employer.
Application Tips
Apply to multiple locations. Each Applebee’s is franchise-owned, so applying to 10–15 nearby restaurants increases your odds.
Target high-hiring roles. Start as a server or dishwasher—both hire frequently and provide solid entry points.
Show community connection. Mention that you value Applebee’s neighborhood spirit and want to serve your local area.
Prove reliability. Emphasize dependable transportation and open availability—key factors in restaurant hiring.
Visit in person. Apply during slow hours (2–4 p.m. weekdays) and politely ask for the general manager.
Highlight experience. Share any background in food service or customer service, even informal work.
Offer flexible availability. State that you can work evenings and weekends when most restaurants need staff.
Be honest about your record. Keep it brief and forward-looking—focus on rehabilitation and your career goals.
Research franchise groups. Different ownerships have different policies; find those known to hire second-chance workers.
Follow up politely. Call or visit a week after applying to express continued interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Applebee’s automatically reject applicants with felonies?
No. Each franchise makes its own decisions, so there is no corporate policy against hiring people with criminal records.
Are some Applebee’s locations more open to second-chance hiring?
Yes. Some franchise owners are known for being very flexible, while others are more selective. Applying broadly helps.
Can I work while on probation or parole?
Yes. Many employees have been hired while on probation or parole as long as they maintain reliability.
Will theft or drug convictions prevent hiring?
Not necessarily. Older or non-violent offenses are often accepted, especially if you demonstrate stability and honesty.
Does Applebee’s drug test?
Testing policies vary by franchise. Some conduct tests after conditional offers, while others do not require testing.
Can I move up to management with a felony record?
It's possible. Many restaurant managers start in hourly roles, and promotions at Applebee’s are generally based on performance and the franchise owner's policies. Management roles may involve an additional background check, especially for positions that handle cash or alcohol, so a felony record is reviewed case by case.
How much can I earn as a server?
Servers typically earn between $18–$30/ hour including tips, depending on location and shift.
What’s the difference between franchise groups?
Each group operates independently, so hiring policies and background check intensity differ. Apply to multiple to improve your chances.
Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies
Chili’s – 1,600+ locations; casual dining chain with local hiring flexibility.
TGI Friday’s – 300+ restaurants; bar and grill style; hires case-by-case.
Buffalo Wild Wings – 1,200+ sports bars; accessible hiring across the U.S.
Red Robin – 500+ casual dining locations; known for promoting from within.
Texas Roadhouse – 600+ restaurants; family dining atmosphere; second-chance friendly.
Outback Steakhouse – 700+ locations; casual dining; evaluates individually.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s remains one of the most approachable national restaurant employers for people with felony convictions. Its franchise-based system gives applicants real opportunities to be evaluated as individuals rather than by corporate rules. With consistent effort and honesty, many employees have progressed from entry-level positions to management.
Take your next step by visiting applebees.com/careers and applying to multiple nearby locations. Focus on reliability, flexibility, and positive attitude—key traits Applebee’s managers value most.
Does Applebee's Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: November 2026
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