Quick Answer

Yes, Captain D's does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As a fast-casual seafood restaurant chain, Captain D's evaluates each applicant individually rather than automatic rejection. With over 500 locations primarily in the Southeast and Midwest, Captain D's offers opportunities in crew member, cook, cashier, and shift leader positions starting at $10-13/hour. Your best chances are in kitchen and food prep roles where cooking skills and work ethic matter more than spotless backgrounds. Since most locations are franchises, hiring policies vary by owner.

Last Verified: October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Captain D's Seafood

3. Does Captain D's Hire People with Felonies?

4. What Captain D's Looks For

5. Available Jobs at Captain D's

6. Background Check Process at Captain D's

7. Application Tips for Captain D's

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Fast-Casual Seafood & Restaurant Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Captain D's Seafood

Captain D's is a fast-casual seafood restaurant chain specializing in battered fish, shrimp, and Southern-style sides. The company operates over 500 restaurants primarily across the Southeast and Midwest and employs thousands of people. Most locations are independently owned franchises operating under the Captain D's brand.

Captain D's restaurants need reliable employees who can work in fast-paced kitchen environments, prepare seafood according to standards, provide quick service, and handle lunch and dinner rushes. High turnover in fast-casual dining creates constant hiring needs across all positions.

For people with records, Captain D's matters because the franchise model creates opportunities for individualized hiring approaches. Franchise owners need workers who show up consistently, work hard, and can handle the pace. If you're willing to work demanding fast-casual hours and demonstrate reliability, you have real opportunities.

Does Captain D's Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Captain D's policy is case-by-case evaluation, with significant franchise variation.

Official Policy

Captain D's corporate doesn't mandate automatic rejection of applicants with criminal records. However, as a franchise operation, each location owner makes independent hiring decisions. This means hiring policies vary considerably from location to location.

Real-World Practice

Crew members, cooks, and cashiers with felony records get hired regularly, especially at franchise locations needing reliable workers. Fast-casual seafood experiences constant turnover, creating perpetual hiring needs.

Franchise owners take practical approaches—they need employees who show up for shifts, work efficiently during rushes, and maintain food quality. Many franchise owners recognize that hiring people with backgrounds often creates loyal, hardworking employees.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Franchise owner's philosophy: This is the biggest factor. Some owners actively hire people with records as part of their business approach. Others are more cautious. Each franchise owner sets their own policies within general brand guidelines.

Time since conviction: 1-2 years helps significantly for fast-casual dining. 5+ years is better for shift leader or management positions.

Type of offense: Theft can be somewhat problematic since you'll handle cash and food inventory. However, many franchise owners focus more on current behavior than past offenses. Drug offenses, violent offenses, and other felonies get evaluated based on circumstances and time elapsed.

Position applied for: Entry-level crew member and cook positions have the highest acceptance rates. Cashier positions are very accessible. Shift leader positions may face slightly more scrutiny but remain possible.

Local labor market: Franchise locations in areas with worker shortages are often more flexible. Locations with abundant applicants might be pickier, though many still prioritize finding reliable workers.

Your presentation: In franchise fast-casual dining, first impressions matter. If you present yourself well and demonstrate reliability during the interview, owners can make quick hiring decisions.

What Captain D's Looks For

Captain D's wants employees who work efficiently in fast-casual seafood environments. They value:

• Reliability and consistent attendance

• Ability to work during rushes (lunch and dinner)

• Schedule flexibility (including weekends)

• Food preparation skills

• Customer service ability

• Team player attitude

• Food safety awareness

  
  

Franchise owners care more about your ability to show up for shifts and handle busy periods than your criminal record. If you can demonstrate dependability and work ethic, your hiring chances improve significantly.

Available Jobs at Captain D's

Captain D's offers several positions suitable for people with felony records. Here are the most common roles:

1. Crew Member / Team Member

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Prepare seafood dishes, work fryer, take orders, operate cash register, clean restaurant, work multiple stations as needed, maintain food quality.

Requirements: Customer service skills, ability to work fast, willingness to learn food prep, comfortable working with fryers

Why it works: Most common entry position. Cross-training makes you valuable. High turnover creates constant openings. Learn all aspects of restaurant operations.

2. Cook / Kitchen Team Member

Pay: $10-13/hour

What you do: Prepare battered fish and seafood, work fryer stations, prepare sides, maintain food quality standards, manage cooking times, keep kitchen organized.

Requirements: Ability to work in hot kitchen environment with fryers, follow recipes, work quickly during rushes, attention to food safety

Why it works: Back-of-house focus with limited customer interaction. Seafood prep skills valued. Essential role during busy periods. Fryer experience transferable.

3. Cashier / Front Counter Team Member

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Take orders at front counter, operate cash register, process payments, answer customer questions about menu, maintain front counter cleanliness, prepare beverages.

Requirements: Customer service skills, basic math, cash handling, friendly demeanor, clear communication

Why it works: Customer-facing role with opportunity for tips in some locations. High-volume customer interaction during lunch rushes. Essential front-line position.

4. Drive-Thru Operator

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Take orders via headset, process drive-thru payments, assemble orders quickly, maintain drive-thru times, provide fast service, handle customer requests.

Requirements: Multi-tasking ability, clear communication, speed, accuracy, ability to work under pressure

Why it works: Fast-paced role that values efficiency. Drive-thru is critical to fast-casual success. High-volume position.

5. Shift Leader / Shift Supervisor

Pay: $12-15/hour

What you do: Supervise crew during shifts, ensure food quality and safety, handle customer issues, manage opening/closing procedures, train new employees, count registers.

Requirements: Fast-casual or restaurant experience, leadership ability, reliable attendance, problem-solving skills, food safety certification

Why it works: Advancement opportunity after proving yourself. Shows franchise owners value performance over past mistakes. Leadership development.

6. Prep Cook

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Prepare ingredients for service, prep seafood, prepare sides and sauces, maintain prep areas, stock stations for service, follow food safety procedures.

Requirements: Basic food prep skills (training provided), organization, ability to follow recipes, attention to detail

Why it works: Behind-the-scenes work with consistent duties. Early shifts before rushes. Foundation role for restaurant operations.

7. Maintenance / Cleaning Crew

Pay: $10-11/hour

What you do: Deep clean restaurant, maintain equipment, clean fryers and kitchen thoroughly, handle trash, maintain restrooms, work early morning or late night cleaning shifts.

Requirements: Physical capability, attention to cleanliness, ability to work independently, willingness to do detailed cleaning work

Why it works: Less desirable shifts (often very early morning or late night) have higher acceptance rates. Essential work with clear responsibilities.

Best entry point: Start as Crew Member working multiple stations including fryer and front counter, demonstrate reliability especially during rushes, show willingness to work any shift, then advance to Shift Leader or specialize in the area where you excel (kitchen, drive-thru, etc.).

Background Check Process at Captain D's

Understanding the background check helps you prepare mentally and practically for the hiring process.

When It Happens

Captain D's franchises conduct background checks after interviews, timing varies significantly by franchise owner. Some owners check before making offers, others check after starting paperwork, and some may have minimal formal processes.

Many franchise owners make quick hiring decisions—you might interview and start within days. Background checks may happen concurrently with early shifts at some locations.

What They Check

Captain D's franchises typically conduct 7-year background checks covering:

• Criminal records: Felonies and misdemeanors from county, state, and federal databases

• Identity verification: Confirming you are who you say you are

• Employment history: Sometimes verified, often not for entry-level positions

Some franchises may include:

• Sex offender registry check

• Food handler background requirements (in some jurisdictions)

The extent of background checking varies dramatically by franchise. Some owners use thorough national checks, others use simpler local searches, and some smaller franchises may have minimal formal background processes.

How Long It Takes

Background checks for fast-casual dining typically take 2-5 business days. Some franchises using instant services complete checks within 24-48 hours.

Fast-casual restaurants often need workers immediately, so processes move quickly compared to other industries.

What Happens If Issues Arise

If something concerning appears on your background check:

1. The franchise owner or manager will likely contact you directly

2. You have opportunity to explain circumstances

3. The owner makes a final decision based on their assessment

Franchise operations are personal. If you've made a good impression during your interview and the owner needs workers, they're often willing to give you a chance despite background issues. Your demeanor and the owner's impression of you matter significantly.

Massive Franchise Variation

Because nearly all Captain D's locations are independently owned, background check policies vary dramatically:

• Flexible franchises: Minimal background checks, hire quickly based on interview impressions

• Moderate franchises: Standard 7-year checks with case-by-case evaluation

• Strict franchises: Comprehensive checks with specific disqualifying criteria

You won't know which approach your local Captain D's takes until you apply. This variation can work strongly in your favor—different owners have completely different philosophies.

Geographic Variations

"Ban the box" laws in some states require employers to delay criminal history questions until later in hiring. However, small franchise operators sometimes handle hiring informally.

Franchise location matters. Locations in competitive labor markets or experiencing worker shortages may be more flexible. Rural franchises might have fewer applicants, creating different dynamics.

Application Tips for Captain D's

Follow these specific strategies to maximize your chances of getting hired at Captain D's:

1. Apply in Person First

Franchise fast-casual restaurants respond well to in-person applications. Visit during slow times (weekday mornings or mid-afternoons around 2-4pm). Ask to speak with the manager or owner. Fill out application on-site if possible.

2. Also Check Online

Some franchises post positions online or use company career sites. Cover both in-person and online methods to maximize chances.

3. Target Multiple Locations

Apply to several Captain D's franchises in your area. Since each is independently owned, they have different hiring approaches. One franchise owner might say no while another says yes immediately.

4. Emphasize Availability and Reliability

Fast-casual seafood needs employees available for lunch rushes (11am-2pm) and dinner service (5-8pm), plus weekends. Stress your flexibility: "I'm available to work any shift you need—lunch, dinner, nights, weekends, holidays. I have reliable transportation."

5. Show Willingness to Work with Fryers

Much of Captain D's cooking involves fryers. Show you're comfortable with this: "I'm comfortable working with fryers and hot equipment. I understand seafood preparation requires working in hot kitchen conditions, and I'm ready for that."

6. Be Ready for the Background Question

Many franchise owners ask directly during interviews. Be honest but brief: "I have a [type] conviction from [year]. I've completed my sentence, stayed out of trouble, and I'm looking for stable employment. I'm reliable and ready to work hard."

7. Demonstrate Reliability is Your Priority

Fast-casual franchise owners need dependable workers who show up. Emphasize this: "I understand showing up consistently is the most important thing. At my last job, I was rarely late and only called out for real emergencies. I know restaurants depend on people being there."

8. Express Interest in Learning

Even without seafood experience, show willingness to learn: "I'm eager to learn seafood preparation and Captain D's cooking methods. I'm a fast learner and take pride in following food quality standards."

9. Dress Appropriately

Clean, neat casual clothing. You're applying for fast-casual dining—clean pants or jeans with a neat shirt works perfectly. Don't overdress. Look clean, presentable, and ready to work.

10. Be Personable and Friendly

Franchise owners often hire based on personality and their gut feeling about reliability. Smile, make eye contact, show positive energy. Your demeanor matters as much as your experience in franchise environments.

11. Highlight Any Food Service Experience

Any fast food, fast-casual, or restaurant experience helps. Even experience from years ago shows you understand the pace: "I worked at [restaurant] where I handled [specific duties]. I understand the fast-casual pace and food safety requirements."

12. Follow Up Quickly

Call or visit within 1-2 days after applying. Franchise owners appreciate persistence. Ask if they've reviewed your application and when you might start. Quick follow-up shows genuine interest.

13. Apply During High-Need Times

Best times to apply:

• Fridays (Lent season for seafood restaurants)

• Right before summer (seasonal increase)

• After holidays (post-holiday worker shortages)

• Anytime you see "Now Hiring" signs

Franchise owners hire fastest when they're desperate for workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will every Captain D's location hire people with felonies?

A: No. Since locations are independently owned franchises, hiring policies vary dramatically by owner. Some franchise owners actively hire people with records, others are more restrictive. You won't know until you apply to your specific local restaurants.

Q: Does Captain D's do drug testing?

A: This varies by franchise owner. Some franchises require pre-employment drug testing, many don't. It's more common for management positions than entry-level crew. Policies vary completely by location. Ask during the interview if concerned.

Q: Will my theft conviction disqualify me?

A: Not necessarily. Theft makes positions somewhat more challenging since you'll handle cash and food inventory. However, many franchise owners focus on current presentation and their impression of you rather than specific offense types. Be honest and let the owner decide.

Q: Can I work at Captain D's while on probation?

A: Very likely yes, as long as you can meet work schedule requirements while fulfilling probation obligations. Fast-casual franchise owners often work with people in various legal situations. Be upfront about any scheduling limitations.

Q: How long after my conviction should I wait?

A: There's no universal rule. Some franchise owners will hire people with very recent convictions if they present well and seem reliable. However, 1-2 years helps, and 3+ years makes most positions very accessible.

Q: Do I need restaurant experience to get hired?

A: No. Captain D's provides training. Show willingness to learn, positive attitude, and reliability. However, any food service experience helps significantly and should be highlighted.

Q: What if I apply online and never hear back?

A: Apply in person instead. Franchise fast-casual restaurants respond much better to in-person applications where owners can meet you directly. Online applications often go into systems that franchisees don't check regularly.

Q: Can I advance to management with a felony?

A: Yes. Franchise owners promote based on performance. If you prove yourself reliable, handle shifts well, and show leadership, advancement to shift leader or assistant manager is definitely possible. Many fast-casual managers have records.

Q: Will they see arrests that didn't result in convictions?

A: This depends on your state and which background check service the franchise uses. If arrests appear, briefly explain: "That charge was dismissed." Many franchise owners care more about convictions than arrests.

Q: Should I disclose my record if they don't ask?

A: Not necessarily during the initial application, but if they ask directly during an interview, be honest. Many franchise owners won't run thorough background checks, but lying if asked directly will disqualify you immediately if discovered.

Similar Felon-Friendly Fast-Casual Seafood & Restaurant Companies

If Captain D's doesn't work out or you want to maximize your options, consider these similar fast-casual and seafood restaurants that also hire people with felony records:

Long John Silver's – Fast-casual seafood chain with franchise-dependent hiring. Generally very felon-friendly for crew positions.

Popeyes – Fast-casual chicken chain with seafood offerings. Franchise variation with practical hiring approaches.

Church's Chicken – Fast-casual chicken chain. Franchise-dependent with generally flexible hiring.

Zaxby's – Fast-casual chicken chain primarily in Southeast. Case-by-case evaluation, franchise variation.

Bojangles – Fast-casual chicken and biscuits. Franchise-dependent hiring in Southeast markets.

Culver's – Fast-casual chain with seafood options. Generally felon-friendly for kitchen positions.

Apply to multiple fast-casual chains simultaneously. Since most are franchises, cast a very wide net across many locations and brands. Someone needs workers right now.

Final Thoughts

Captain D's gives people with records excellent chances in fast-casual seafood employment, especially because franchise owners make individual hiring decisions. Your criminal history doesn't automatically disqualify you, particularly if you present yourself well and demonstrate genuine reliability.

Be honest about your background, emphasize your work ethic and availability, and apply in person to multiple franchise locations. Many people with felonies have built successful careers starting as Captain D's crew members, proving their value through consistent attendance and hard work, and advancing to shift leader or management positions.

Start here: Visit multiple Captain D's locations near you in person during slow times (weekday afternoons), ask to speak with the manager or owner about employment, and be ready to fill out an application on the spot. Franchise owners often make quick hiring decisions when they meet reliable candidates in person.