Quick Answer

Yes, Aramark does hire people with felonies in 2025. As a company focused on food service, facilities, and uniform services, Aramark evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. Your chances depend on the conviction type, time passed, and the specific position. Entry-level roles like food service workers and janitors pay $12-$16 per hour and are most accessible. Aramark operates in schools, hospitals, stadiums, and businesses, offering numerous opportunities for people with criminal records who are willing to work hard.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Aramark

3. Does Aramark Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Aramark

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Aramark

Aramark is a massive food service and facilities management company serving millions of people daily. They operate in 19 countries with over 240,000 employees. You'll find Aramark in schools, universities, hospitals, sports stadiums, business cafeterias, and correctional facilities.

For people with felonies, Aramark presents solid opportunities. They have high turnover in many positions, which means they're frequently hiring. Because they work in so many locations and serve diverse clients, they need reliable workers and often look past criminal backgrounds if you can demonstrate dependability. Aramark's size means they have structured hiring processes that follow fair chance hiring principles. Many facilities actively participate in second-chance hiring programs.

Does Aramark Hire People with Felonies?

Aramark does not automatically disqualify applicants with felony convictions. Their official policy is to consider each candidate individually based on the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the requirements of the specific job.

In practice, Aramark hires people with various types of convictions regularly. They're particularly open in their food service, janitorial, and facility maintenance departments. Many locations actively recruit from reentry programs and work with organizations that help people with criminal backgrounds find employment.

Several factors influence your hiring chances. The type of conviction matters significantly. Non-violent offenses and crimes that don't involve theft, sexual misconduct, or violence toward vulnerable populations are viewed most favorably. Drug convictions are common among Aramark employees, especially if time has passed and you can pass a drug test now.

Time since conviction is crucial. If your conviction occurred more than 5-7 years ago, it carries much less weight. Aramark follows the EEOC guidelines, which means they can't automatically reject you for old convictions that don't relate to the job duties.

The position you apply for matters enormously. Food service worker positions in corporate cafeterias or universities are easier to get than positions in hospitals or schools, which may have stricter requirements. Facilities in correctional institutions often prefer hiring people with records because they understand the reentry process.

Location also plays a role. Aramark facilities in states with ban-the-box laws or strong fair chance hiring initiatives tend to be more open. Urban facilities often have more experience with diverse applicants, including people with records.

Aramark values reliability, punctuality, and willingness to work. If you can demonstrate these traits and your conviction doesn't directly conflict with job responsibilities, you have a legitimate chance.

Available Jobs at Aramark

Aramark offers numerous entry-level positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Food Service Worker

($12-$15/hour)

You'll prepare food, serve customers, clean work areas, and restock supplies. No experience required, though food handler certification helps. This is the most common entry point. Aramark hires thousands for these roles annually, and backgrounds are evaluated flexibly.

Janitor/Custodian

($13-$16/hour)

You'll clean buildings, empty trash, maintain restrooms, and perform basic maintenance. Physical work requiring standing and lifting up to 40 pounds. These positions have high acceptance rates for people with records because the work is essential and doesn't involve sensitive populations directly.

Dishwasher

($12-$14/hour)

You'll operate commercial dishwashers, scrub pots and pans, and maintain kitchen cleanliness. No experience needed. This is often the easiest position to get with a felony because it's back-of-house work with minimal customer interaction.

Warehouse Worker

($14-$17/hour)

You'll receive deliveries, organize inventory, and distribute supplies to various facilities. Requires ability to lift 50+ pounds and operate pallet jacks. Many warehouse facilities hire people with backgrounds because the work is straightforward and reliability matters most.

Groundskeeper

($13-$16/hour)

You'll maintain outdoor spaces, mow lawns, trim hedges, and perform seasonal tasks. Physical outdoor work in various weather conditions. Good option for people who prefer working outside and have felonies that might limit indoor customer-facing roles.

Laundry Worker

($12-$15/hour)

You'll wash, dry, fold, and deliver uniforms and linens. Repetitive work requiring attention to detail. Positions in uniform services are often very accessible to people with records.

Cook/Kitchen Helper

($14-$18/hour)

You'll assist cooks, prep ingredients, and help prepare meals. Some kitchen experience helps but isn't always required. Once you prove yourself in entry positions, moving up to cooking roles is possible regardless of your background.

Best entry point

Dishwasher or Custodian roles offer the quickest entry. They have the highest turnover and lowest barriers. Once employed, you can move into higher-paying positions within Aramark.

Background Check Process

Understanding Aramark's background check process helps you prepare and avoid surprises that could derail your application.

Aramark conducts background checks after making a conditional job offer. This means they interview you first and decide they want to hire you before checking your background. This approach follows fair chance hiring practices and gives you the opportunity to make a good impression before your record is reviewed.

The background check typically covers seven years of criminal history, though some positions may look back further. They verify employment history, check for criminal convictions, and may verify education if you claimed degrees or certifications. The specific depth depends on the facility type—hospitals and schools may require more extensive checks than corporate cafeterias.

The process usually takes 3-7 business days. During this time, you may also complete a drug screen if required for your position. Not all Aramark positions require drug testing, but most do. Your hiring manager will tell you upfront what's required.

If something appears on your background check that concerns Aramark, they must send you a pre-adverse action notice. This gives you 5-10 days to review the report and dispute any errors. Use this time wisely—if information is wrong, gather documentation immediately and contact Aramark's hiring department and the background check company.

Geographic differences matter. In ban-the-box states, Aramark cannot ask about criminal history on the application. They can only inquire after a conditional offer. Some cities have even stricter rules about what convictions can be considered. Aramark follows all local laws, which generally works in your favor.

The type of facility also affects the process. Aramark contracts with clients who set some requirements. A hospital client may require stricter background standards than a corporate office building. Your recruiter should explain the specific requirements for your facility.

Application Tips

1. Apply directly on Aramark's careers website at

   aramark.com/careers.

   
   

2.  Search for positions in your area and apply to multiple openings at different facilities to increase your chances.

   
   

3. Focus on positions in corporate, university, or sports venue facilities first. These locations tend to be more flexible about criminal backgrounds than hospitals or K-12 schools.

   
   

4. Don't mention your felony on the application if you're in a ban-the-box state. Wait until they bring it up. If the application asks, be honest but brief.

   
   

5. Emphasize any food service, cleaning, or customer service experience. Even informal experience like helping at church events or cooking for family gatherings shows relevant skills.

   
   

6. Be flexible about shift times. Evening, night, and weekend shifts often have fewer applicants and hiring managers may be more willing to take a chance on someone with a record.

   
   

7. Get your food handler's certificate before applying. This $10-30 online certification shows initiative and makes you immediately more valuable. Many states require it for food service work.

   
   

8. Prepare a short, practiced explanation of your conviction. Own what happened, explain what you learned, and emphasize your commitment to moving forward. Practice until it sounds natural and honest.

   
   

9. Follow up 3-5 days after applying. Call the facility directly and ask to speak with the hiring manager. Express your strong interest and availability to start immediately.

   
   

10. Dress professionally for your interview. Clean, neat appearance matters in food service and hospitality. Show them you take the opportunity seriously.

    
    

11. Highlight your reliability and work ethic. Aramark values employees who show up on time and work hard. Give specific examples of your dependability from previous jobs or other contexts.

    
    

12. Be ready to start immediately or within a few days. Many Aramark facilities need workers urgently. Flexibility with start dates makes you more attractive.

    
    

13. Ask about internal advancement opportunities. Aramark promotes from within frequently. Showing interest in growth demonstrates long-term commitment.

    
    

14. Bring references from anyone who can vouch for your work ethic. Former employers, volunteer coordinators, community leaders, or even probation officers can provide valuable character references.

    
    

15. Check if your local WorkSource, American Job Center, or reentry program has relationships with Aramark. Some organizations have direct connections to Aramark hiring managers and can help facilitate your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my theft conviction prevent me from working at Aramark?

Theft convictions make hiring more complicated but not impossible. Aramark handles cash, food, and supplies, so theft raises concerns. However, if your theft conviction was 5+ years ago and you have clean records since, many facilities will consider you, especially for positions with less access to valuables. Dishwashing, custodial, and groundskeeping roles have better odds than cashier or warehouse positions. Be completely honest about what happened and demonstrate how you've changed.

Does Aramark do drug testing?

Most Aramark positions require pre-employment drug testing, though policies vary by facility and client requirements. Corporate cafeterias may only test for hard drugs, while hospital facilities typically test for all substances. Some locations in states where marijuana is legal no longer test for cannabis. You'll be told during the hiring process whether testing is required. If you're in recovery, be upfront about any prescribed medications that might appear on the test.

How long should I wait after my conviction to apply to Aramark?

You don't need to wait at all to apply. Aramark considers candidates with recent convictions, though your chances improve with time. If your conviction was within the past year, you'll have fewer options but can still find work in some facilities. After 3 years, significantly more positions become available. After 7 years, most standard background checks won't even show the conviction in many states. The important thing is showing you're ready to work now and have stayed out of trouble since your conviction.

Can I work for Aramark while on probation or parole?

Yes, Aramark regularly employs people on probation and parole. Having a job actually helps you satisfy your supervision requirements. Inform your hiring manager about any restrictions you have, such as travel limits, curfews, or required check-ins. Most facilities can work around these requirements. Some Aramark locations actively partner with reentry programs and are experienced in accommodating supervision conditions. Your probation officer may even be able to connect you with Aramark opportunities.

Will violent felonies disqualify me completely?

Violent felonies create more challenges but aren't automatic disqualifiers. Much depends on the specifics—what happened, how long ago, and what you've done since. Positions in schools, hospitals, and facilities serving vulnerable populations will likely be unavailable. However, corporate cafeterias, warehouse roles, and certain industrial facilities remain possible. Time matters enormously—a 10-year-old assault conviction carries much less weight than one from two years ago. Be prepared to discuss the incident maturely and show evidence of positive change.

Does Aramark hire people with sex offense convictions?

Sex offense convictions are the most limiting for Aramark employment. You will be excluded from any facilities serving children, schools, universities, hospitals, and many other client sites. However, some positions in corporate offices, warehouses, or industrial facilities may still be available depending on the specific offense and time passed. This is evaluated very carefully on a case-by-case basis. Be completely honest from the beginning, as hiding this information will result in immediate termination when discovered.

What if I have multiple felonies?

Multiple felonies make hiring more difficult but not impossible. Aramark looks at the pattern—were all the convictions from one period, or are they spread over many years? If you've been clean for several years since your last conviction, that demonstrates change. Focus on applying to the most accessible positions like dishwasher and custodian roles. Be prepared to explain your past honestly and focus heavily on what you've done to turn your life around. Consider working with a reentry program that has relationships with Aramark.

Can I transfer to a different Aramark location later?

Yes, Aramark encourages internal transfers and has facilities nationwide. Once you're hired and establish a good work record, transferring to different locations becomes easier. Your managers can help facilitate transfers. This is particularly useful if you need to relocate. Having an established work history with Aramark makes your background less of an issue when transferring because you've already proven yourself.

What should I do if my background check shows incorrect information?

Act immediately. Federal law requires Aramark to give you time to dispute inaccurate information. Contact both Aramark's hiring department and the background screening company to file a formal dispute. Gather documentation proving the error—court records, letters from your attorney, or official documents showing charges were dismissed or expunged. The dispute process typically takes 5-10 business days. Aramark must wait for resolution before making a final hiring decision. Don't hesitate to follow up daily to ensure your dispute is being processed.

Does Aramark offer second-chance hiring programs?

While Aramark doesn't advertise a formal nationwide second-chance program, many individual facilities and regional offices actively participate in local reentry initiatives. Some Aramark locations partner with organizations like America Works, Goodwill, or local workforce development programs that specialize in helping people with criminal backgrounds. Check with your local reentry program or American Job Center to see if they have connections with Aramark in your area. These partnerships can significantly improve your chances.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Aramark doesn't work out or you want to explore additional options, consider these similar companies in food service and facilities management:

Compass Group: Another massive food service company operating in similar markets. They hire people with records for food service and facilities positions across numerous locations.

Sodexo: Global food and facilities management company competing directly with Aramark. Known for second-chance hiring in their food service and cleaning departments.

ABM Industries: Facility services company focusing on janitorial, engineering, and parking services. They regularly hire people with felony convictions for custodial and maintenance roles.

Sysco: While primarily a food distribution company, Sysco hires warehouse workers and delivery drivers who have criminal backgrounds, especially for local delivery routes.

Waste Management: If physical labor appeals to you, this sanitation company is very open to hiring people with various felonies for collection and facility positions.

Final Thoughts

Aramark offers genuine opportunities for people with felony convictions who are ready to work. Their massive operation means constant hiring needs, and many facilities prioritize finding reliable workers over perfect backgrounds. Your best approach is applying to multiple locations, being honest about your past, and demonstrating strong work ethic.

Start by visiting aramark.com/careers and applying to every suitable position within 30 miles of your location. Target corporate cafeterias, universities, and sports venues first. Get your food handler card if you don't have it. Follow up on your applications after a few days. Thousands of people with criminal records have built careers at Aramark—take the first step today and you could be next.