Quick Answer

Yes, Blue Bell Creameries hires individuals with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As a food manufacturing company founded in 1907 with approximately 1,300 employees across three production facilities (Brenham TX, Broken Arrow OK, Sylacauga AL) and 50+ distribution branches in 24 states, Blue Bell conducts pre-employment background checks and drug screening. Employment contingent upon satisfactory clearance after conditional offer per EEOC individualized assessment guidelines.

Critical barriers: Mandatory drug testing (urine screen), food safety concerns (recent theft/drug crimes within 7 years), DOT requirements for CDL driver positions (10-year lookback, traffic violations).

Best entry points: Production Worker ($15-$18/hour), Warehouse Associate ($15-$18/hour), Shipping/Receiving ($16-$19/hour) in manufacturing plants with non-driving positions creating most accessible pathways. Texas private employers may ask about criminal history on applications but must follow FCRA procedures for background checks.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. 🚨 Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, assess these baseline requirements:

• Pass Drug Screening: Mandatory pre-employment urine drug test required. Failure or refusal = automatic disqualification.

  
  

• Food Safety Focus: Recent theft, drug crimes (especially involving controlled substances) within 7 years create significant barriers.

  
  

• Physical Capability: Work in -40°F freezers, lift 25-50 lbs, stand entire shift, operate forklifts/machinery.

  
  

• For CDL Drivers: Clean 10-year DOT driving record; no more than 2 preventable accidents/moving violations in 3 years; Class B CDL with air brakes.

  
  

• Complete Honesty: Texas employers may ask about criminal history on applications. Dishonesty discovered during background check = disqualification.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must have legal U.S. work authorization.

🚨 Critical Regulatory Information

IMPORTANT: Blue Bell Creameries is a family-owned food manufacturer operating three production facilities and 50+ distribution branches across 24 states in the Southern, Western, and Midwestern U.S. As food manufacturer, company must comply with FDA food safety regulations and DOT commercial driver requirements creating specific employment barriers.

Texas Employment Law: Texas lacks ban-the-box law—private employers may ask about criminal history on applications. Texas follows 7-year reporting limit for criminal convictions. Texas expungement available for eligible offenses—expunged records may be legally denied to employers.

Food Safety Regulations: FDA food manufacturing standards require employee integrity. Recent theft, drug crimes create concerns about product tampering, controlled substance access, cold storage security. EEOC individualized assessment still mandatory—no blanket exclusions.

DOT Driver Requirements (CDL positions): Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require 10-year commercial driving history review. Major disqualifiers include DUI/DWI, leaving accident scene, using vehicle to commit felony, driving CMV while license suspended. Multiple traffic violations within 3 years create significant barriers. Class B CDL with air brakes endorsement required.

Drug Testing Policy: Mandatory pre-employment urine drug screening for ALL positions. Drug-free workplace policy non-negotiable in food manufacturing. Failed or refused test = automatic disqualification. DOT-regulated testing for CDL drivers includes random screening.

Company Overview

Blue Bell Creameries was founded in 1907 in Brenham, Texas as Brenham Creamery Company by local businessmen making butter from excess cream. Ice cream production began in 1911. In 1919, E.F. Kruse became manager, saving the struggling company. In 1930, company renamed Blue Bell after Texas bluebell wildflower. Family-owned and operated by Kruse family since 1919, with Ed and Howard Kruse (fourth generation) leading as Chairman/CEO and President respectively.

Blue Bell abandoned butter production in 1958 to focus exclusively on ice cream. Expanded from Brenham throughout Texas in 1960s-70s, then to Oklahoma (1989) and across Southern/Western U.S. in 1990s. By 1992, became #2 ice cream manufacturer in United States. Currently distributes to 24 states with direct store delivery system Blue Bell employees handle product from factory to grocery store ensuring freshness.

Company Fast Facts:

Notable milestones include surviving the 2015 listeria outbreak that led to the first recall in company's 108-year history, requiring temporary shutdown of all three plants and disposal of 8+ million gallons of product. The company recovered through enhanced food safety protocols and loyal customer base. Blue Bell's direct store delivery model means company controls product from production through retail shelf Blue Bell employees (not third-party distributors) stock freezers ensuring freshness and quality control. This creates stable employment across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and merchandising roles.

Manufacturing facilities operate year-round with peak production during summer months. Brenham flagship plant (300,000 square feet) is largest private employer in Washington County, Texas. The company maintains ice cream parlors at Brenham and Sylacauga facilities serving hand-dipped ice cream including flavors available only at parlors. Plant tours available at both locations attract 117,000+ annual visitors learning how Blue Bell makes "the best ice cream in the country." Employee culture emphasizes family values, longevity, and pride in Texas heritage many employees work decades for the company, creating tight-knit workplace environment.

Founded: 1907 in Brenham, Texas; Employees: Approximately 1,300+; Facilities: 3 manufacturing plants (Brenham TX—300,000 sq ft flagship; Broken Arrow OK; Sylacauga AL) plus 50+ distribution branches; States Served: 24 states across South, West, Midwest;

Headquarters: "Little Creamery" Brenham, Texas; Ownership: Private, family-owned (Kruse family since 1919); National Ranking: #2 ice cream manufacturer in U.S.; Annual Visitors: 117,000+ tour Brenham facility; Products: 40+ ice cream flavors, frozen snacks, sherbet, no sugar added options.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Official Policy: Blue Bell has not published specific second-chance hiring commitments. As Texas employer, may ask about criminal history on applications. Background checks conducted after conditional offers per FCRA. Individualized assessment required per EEOC guidelines considering offense nature, time elapsed, job relevance. Food safety concerns and DOT regulations create position-specific barriers.

Key Factors in Blue Bell Hiring Decisions

Food Safety Priority: As food manufacturer, Blue Bell prioritizes employee integrity regarding product safety and cold storage security. Recent theft convictions raise concerns about stealing product, tampering, or unauthorized access to inventory. Drug-related offenses create concerns about substance abuse affecting judgment in temperature-controlled environments or around production machinery. The company's recovery from 2015 listeria outbreak reinforced importance of strict food safety protocols and employee reliability. Background checks specifically evaluate whether criminal history suggests risk to food safety, product security, or customer trust.

Position-Specific Evaluation: Manufacturing plant positions (Production Worker, Warehouse Associate) undergo standard background checks focusing on violence, theft, drugs. These roles have moderate barriers given physical demands and extreme cold deter many applicants. Route Sales Driver positions face most intensive scrutiny due to federal DOT regulations requiring 10-year commercial driving history review DUI, multiple traffic violations, using vehicle to commit felony, or driving while suspended create automatic disqualifications per DOT rules. Route Merchandiser positions stocking store freezers require reliability and customer interaction, creating moderate-high barriers for recent theft or violence. Administrative positions involve financial data and inventory systems, requiring integrity regarding fraud or embezzlement history.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBliss reports.

Career Path Examples

Production Track: Production Worker ($15-$18/hr) → Lead Production Worker ($18-$22/hr) → Production Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr) → Plant Manager ($70K-$90K/yr)

Warehouse Track: Warehouse Associate ($15-$18/hr) → Forklift Operator ($16-$20/hr) → Warehouse Supervisor ($40K-$50K/yr) → Operations Manager ($60K-$75K/yr)

Sales Track (requires CDL): Route Merchandiser ($14-$18/hr) → Route Sales Driver ($50K-$58K/yr) → Territory Manager ($60K-$75K/yr)

Background Check Process

What They Check: Criminal history (county/state/federal); Drug screening (urine test—mandatory); Employment verification; For CDL drivers: DOT 10-year commercial driving history, traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions; E-Verify work authorization.

Lookback Periods: Texas 7 years for criminal convictions; DOT 10 years for commercial drivers; FCRA 7 years for arrests without conviction; Expunged Texas records may be legally denied.

Timeline: 5-10 business days for standard background checks; Drug test results 24-48 hours; Complete hiring 2-4 weeks from application to start.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk: Failed or refused drug test (automatic); Recent theft, burglary, fraud within 7 years (food safety concerns); Recent drug crimes, controlled substance offenses (product security); Recent violent crimes, assault, domestic violence; For CDL drivers: DUI/DWI, using CMV to commit felony, leaving accident scene, driving while suspended, multiple traffic violations; Dishonesty on application.

Lower Risk: Old non-violent offenses (10+ years); Single isolated incident with rehabilitation; Misdemeanors unrelated to food safety or driving; Traffic offenses (except DUI) for non-driving positions.

Your Rights

FCRA: Written consent; pre-adverse action notice with report copy; dispute opportunity; adverse action notice.

EEOC: Individualized assessment mandatory; Green Factors (nature, time, relevance); no blanket exclusions except DOT-mandated driver bars.

Texas Rights: Expungement available under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01; 7-year reporting limit for criminal convictions; expunged records may be legally denied to private employers.

Application Strategy

Step-by-Step Process

1. Target Manufacturing Plant Positions: Focus on Production Worker or Warehouse Associate positions at Brenham TX, Broken Arrow OK, or Sylacauga AL facilities. These non-driving roles have lowest barriers and steady hiring needs.

   
   

2. Apply at bluebell.com/careers: Visit careers page, select "Manufacturing Plant" or "Branch/Distribution" based on preference. Applications may include criminal history questions—answer truthfully if asked.

   
   

3. Emphasize Food Safety Commitment: In application and interview, stress reliability, attention to hygiene, commitment to safety protocols, willingness to work in extreme cold (-40°F), physical capability.

   
   

4. Be Honest About Criminal History: Texas employers may ask on applications. Better to disclose and explain rehabilitation than have dishonesty discovered during background check. Emphasize time elapsed, stable employment since offense.

   
   

5. Prepare for Drug Screening: Mandatory urine test required. If you cannot pass, do not apply or accept conditional offer. No exceptions or second chances for failed drug tests.

6. Avoid CDL Driver Positions If Applicable: If you have DUI, traffic violations, or vehicle-related offenses in past 10 years, focus on manufacturing plant positions instead of Route Sales Driver roles subject to strict DOT regulations.

   
   

7. Pursue Texas Expungement: Check eligibility under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01. Many offenses qualify for expungement after waiting periods. Expunged records may be legally denied to private employers.

   
   

8. Consider Multiple Locations: Three manufacturing plants plus 50+ distribution branches across 24 states provide geographic flexibility. Apply to multiple locations if willing to relocate.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Start with Production Not Sales: Production Worker positions have fewer barriers than customer-facing Route Sales Driver or Merchandiser positions. Build track record in manufacturing first.

   
   

2. Emphasize Cold Storage Willingness: Many applicants unwilling to work in -40°F freezers for extended periods. Your willingness creates competitive advantage despite criminal record.

   
   

3. Time Matters for Food Safety: Recent theft or drug crimes (within 7 years) create significant food safety concerns. If offense recent, consider waiting or pursuing expungement before applying.

   
   

4. Avoid Driver Roles with Traffic History: DOT 10-year lookback is extensive. If you have DUI, multiple violations, or license suspensions, focus on non-CDL positions.

   
   

5. Family Company Culture: Blue Bell is family-owned since 1907 with loyal employees. Demonstrate commitment to long-term employment and company values—"best ice cream in the country."

Benefits Overview

Compensation: $15-$24/hour for plant/warehouse positions; $50K-$65K/year for CDL drivers; $0.50 annual raises; Overtime at 1.5x after 40 hours.

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision coverage; Free individual insurance for some positions.

Retirement: 401(k) plan; Traditional pension plan (rare in modern employment).

Paid Time Off: 10-20 days vacation per year; Paid sick days; Paid holidays.

Schedule: Early morning starts (3-4am for drivers); Most positions 5 days/week; Route drivers typically off Wednesdays and Sundays.

Perks: Free ice cream on the job; Employee discounts on products; Plant tours for family; Long-term employee retention incentives.

Career Development: Blue Bell provides internal advancement for dedicated employees. Production workers can advance to lead positions and supervisors. Warehouse associates can progress to forklift operators and warehouse managers.

Route merchandisers can train for CDL and become route sales drivers earning $50K-$58K annually. Company provides CDL training for qualified candidates. However, advancement opportunities described as limited by some employees family ownership means fewer management positions available. Long-term employees (10+ years) common, indicating job satisfaction despite pay concerns.

Work Environment: Manufacturing plants maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards. Production workers spend extended periods in -40°F freezers requiring insulated gear provided by company. Shifts typically 8-12 hours with overtime common during peak summer production. Route drivers start extremely early (3-4am) delivering to grocery stores before opening, typically finishing by mid-afternoon. Physical demands include lifting 25-50 lbs repeatedly, standing entire shifts, and operating machinery in cold environments. Safety training mandatory for all positions given heavy equipment, forklifts, and temperature extremes.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Free ice cream at work; Family-owned company culture; Traditional pension plus 401(k); Stable employment in Brenham (largest private employer); Easy interview process; Good people and friendly coworkers; Off by 3pm for route drivers; Earn CDL with training provided.

Cons: Extreme cold working conditions (-40°F freezers); Pay considered low for physical demands ($15-$18/hr entry-level); Small annual raises ($0.50); Limited advancement opportunities; Long hours for route drivers (55 hrs/week); Early start times (3-4am); Route driver pay system complex (base + commission); No room for error (3 tickets = termination for drivers).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Blue Bell Creameries hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Blue Bell Creameries hires individuals with felony convictions on case-by-case basis using individualized assessment per EEOC guidelines. However, recent offenses (within 7 years) related to theft, drug crimes, or violence create significant barriers due to food safety concerns in manufacturing environment. Best opportunities exist in non-driving manufacturing plant positions: Production Worker ($15-$18/hr), Warehouse Associate ($15-$18/hr), Shipping/Receiving ($16-$19/hr) at three facilities (Brenham TX, Broken Arrow OK, Sylacauga AL). Family-owned company with approximately 1,300 employees provides stable employment for qualified second-chance candidates with old non-violent offenses.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Blue Bell Creameries?

   Blue Bell conducts background checks through third-party agencies after conditional offers per FCRA. Process includes criminal history searches (county/state/federal), mandatory urine drug screening (all positions), employment verification, and for CDL drivers: DOT 10-year commercial driving history including traffic violations and accidents. Texas follows 7-year lookback for criminal convictions. Background check conducted AFTER conditional offer. Results evaluated through individualized assessment considering offense nature, time elapsed, job relevance. Complete clearance typically 5-10 business days; drug screening results 24-48 hours. Manufacturing positions face less intensive scrutiny than customer-facing Route Sales Driver positions.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Blue Bell Creameries—what is the lookback period?

   Texas law allows 7-year lookback for criminal convictions. FCRA limits arrests without conviction to 7 years. However, for CDL Route Sales Driver positions, federal DOT regulations require 10-year commercial driving history review including all traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions—significantly more extensive than standard positions. Properly expunged records under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01 may be legally denied to private employers. Practical reality: individualized assessment weighs time elapsed heavily convictions 10+ years old with stable employment since release create much fewer barriers than recent offenses, especially for manufacturing plant positions.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Blue Bell Creameries?

   Most challenging: Failed drug test (automatic disqualification); recent theft, burglary, fraud within 7 years (food safety and cold storage security concerns); recent drug crimes, controlled substance offenses (product integrity and access to freezers); recent violent crimes, assault (workplace safety); for CDL drivers: DUI/DWI, using commercial vehicle to commit felony, leaving accident scene, driving while suspended, multiple traffic violations (federal DOT regulations create absolute bars). However, old non-violent offenses 10+ years ago with demonstrated rehabilitation, stable employment, clean record since release are more accepted, particularly for manufacturing plant positions with high physical demands (-40°F freezers) that deter many applicants.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Blue Bell Creameries for applicants with a record?

   Production Worker ($15-$18/hr) offers best entry point with ice cream manufacturing duties in -40°F freezers at three plants, high physical demands creating openings, non-driving status avoiding DOT regulations. Warehouse Associate ($15-$18/hr) provides shipping/receiving and cold storage work. Shipping/Receiving Clerk ($16-$19/hr) adds inventory management and computer data entry. These manufacturing plant positions have lowest barriers, avoid customer-facing requirements, and provide pathway to Forklift Operator or Machine Operator advancement after proving reliability. Absolutely avoid CDL Route Sales Driver positions if you have any DUI, traffic violations, or vehicle-related offenses in past 10 years due to strict federal DOT requirements.

   
   

6. Does Blue Bell Creameries drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Blue Bell Creameries requires mandatory pre-employment urine drug screening for ALL positions without exceptions. Test screens for common substances including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP. Failure or refusal results in automatic disqualification—no second chances. This is non-negotiable policy for food manufacturing environment. Test typically scheduled shortly after conditional offer. Results return within 24-48 hours. If you cannot pass drug screening, do not apply or accept conditional offer. Additionally, CDL driver positions subject to DOT-regulated random drug testing throughout employment. Food safety and cold storage access require strict substance-free workplace.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Blue Bell Creameries ask about criminal history?

   Texas lacks ban-the-box law, so Blue Bell may ask about criminal history on initial applications. However, actual background check conducted AFTER conditional offer per FCRA requirements. If asked about criminal history on application, must answer truthfully—dishonesty discovered during background check results in automatic disqualification even if underlying offense would have been acceptable. Better strategy: answer honestly with brief explanation focusing on time elapsed and rehabilitation, then demonstrate qualifications and commitment to food safety. Lying creates worse outcome than disclosure, as individualized assessment may accept old offenses but never accepts dishonesty.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Blue Bell Creameries if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement possible for employees demonstrating consistent reliability, strong work ethic, commitment to food safety over time. Realistic path: start Production Worker, prove reliability handling extreme cold and physical demands for 1-2 years, advance to Lead Production Worker, then Production Supervisor, potentially Plant Manager. Family-owned company values long-term loyal employees—many staff have worked decades at Blue Bell. Management positions undergo thorough background review, so maintaining absolutely clean record post-hire critical. Limited advancement for route drivers (noted employee complaint). Internal promotion exists but company culture favors stability over rapid advancement. Your demonstrated work history and food safety commitment matter more than old conviction for internal promotions.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   Background checks complete 5-10 business days after conditional offer. Drug screening results return within 24-48 hours. Complete hiring timeline from application to start date: 2-4 weeks. Interview process rated "easy" by employees—typically one-day or two-day process. Blue Bell prioritizes filling manufacturing plant and route driver positions due to physical demands (extreme cold, early hours) creating turnover. Proactive applicants who respond immediately to conditional offer, complete drug screening promptly, provide accurate information experience fastest timeline. Family-owned company maintains straightforward hiring without excessive bureaucracy.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Blue Bell Creameries?

    Target manufacturing plant Production Worker or Warehouse positions at Brenham, Broken Arrow, or Sylacauga facilities rather than CDL driver roles. Emphasize willingness to work in -40°F freezers—many applicants cannot handle extreme cold, creating competitive advantage despite criminal record. Be completely honest about criminal history if asked. Prepare to pass mandatory drug screening. Run your own Texas background check to know what employers will see. Pursue Texas expungement if eligible under Article 55.01. Gather rehabilitation evidence: stable employment since release, clean record post-conviction, character references. If conviction recent (within 7 years) and involves theft or drugs, consider waiting until more time elapsed or focus on expungement. Apply to multiple locations—three plants plus 50+ branches offer geographic options. Stress long-term commitment to family company established 1907.

Alternative Employers

If Blue Bell Creameries isn't right fit, consider these alternative food manufacturing and distribution employers:

Conclusion

Blue Bell Creameries offers genuine second-chance opportunities as family-owned ice cream manufacturer established 1907 with approximately 1,300 employees across three production facilities and 50+ distribution branches in 24 states. While food safety regulations create barriers for recent theft and drug crimes, the company's manufacturing plant positions provide accessible entry points for qualified candidates willing to work in extreme cold conditions.

Key Success Factors: Target Production Worker ($15-$18/hr) or Warehouse Associate positions at Brenham TX, Broken Arrow OK, or Sylacauga AL plants. Emphasize willingness to work in -40°F freezers—physical demands deter many applicants creating opportunity despite criminal record. Be completely honest about criminal history. Pass mandatory drug screening. Avoid CDL Route Sales Driver positions if you have any DUI or traffic violations in past 10 years due to federal DOT 10-year lookback. Pursue Texas expungement if eligible. Stress commitment to food safety and long-term employment with family company.

Biggest Barriers: Failed drug test (automatic disqualification); recent theft, fraud, drug crimes within 7 years (food safety concerns); for CDL drivers: DUI, traffic violations, vehicle-related felonies, license suspensions (DOT regulations create absolute bars). However, old non-violent convictions (10+ years) with stable employment and demonstrated rehabilitation create much fewer barriers, especially for manufacturing positions where -40°F working conditions and physical demands create constant openings.

The Blue Bell Advantage: Family-owned company culture since 1919 values loyalty and long-term employees. Traditional pension plus 401(k) benefits rare in modern employment. Free ice cream at work. Direct store delivery system means job security Blue Bell employees handle product from factory to store. Three plant locations plus 50+ branches provide geographic flexibility. Start in production, prove reliability in extreme conditions, advance to lead or supervisor positions. "Best ice cream in the country" creates brand loyalty and stable employment.

Apply Now at bluebell.com/careers (select "Manufacturing Plant" for best accessibility)

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on publicly available sources and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies and background check requirements may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Blue Bell Creameries Human Resources. Salary data based on 2024-2025 Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBliss reports actual compensation varies by experience, position, location, and shift. Individual hiring outcomes depend on specific circumstances including conviction details, time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence, position applied for, and current company needs. Texas employment law and expungement eligibility should be verified with legal counsel. Blue Bell Creameries name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes and recommends consulting employment attorneys for case-specific advice.