Quick Answer

Yes, Checkers and Rally's do hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As dual-branded fast-food drive-thru chains, Checkers and Rally's evaluate each applicant individually rather than automatic rejection. With over 800 locations across 28 states, these chains offer opportunities in crew member, cook, cashier, and shift leader positions starting at $10-13/hour.

Your best chances are in kitchen and crew positions where work ethic and reliability matter more than spotless backgrounds. Since most locations are franchises, hiring policies vary significantly by owner.

Last Verified: October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Checkers/Rally's

3. Does Checkers/Rally's Hire People with Felonies?

4. What Checkers/Rally's Looks For

5. Available Jobs at Checkers/Rally's

6. Background Check Process at Checkers/Rally's

7. Application Tips for Checkers/Rally's

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Fast Food Drive-Thru Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Checkers/Rally's

Checkers and Rally's are dual-branded fast-food chains specializing in burgers, fries, and drive-thru service. The same company operates both brands, with Checkers primarily in the Southeast and Rally's in other regions. Together they operate over 800 locations across 28 states, with most locations independently owned franchises.

Checkers/Rally's restaurants need reliable employees who can work in fast-paced drive-thru environments, prepare food quickly, handle double drive-thru operations, and maintain quality during busy periods. High turnover in fast food creates constant hiring needs.

For people with records, Checkers/Rally's matters because the franchise model creates opportunities for individualized hiring approaches, and the double drive-thru concept means less lobby traffic and more focus on quick service. Franchise owners need workers who show up, work fast, and can handle the demanding pace.

Does Checkers/Rally's Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Checkers/Rally's policy is case-by-case evaluation, with massive franchise variation.

Official Policy

Checkers/Rally's corporate doesn't mandate automatic rejection of applicants with criminal records. However, as nearly all locations are independently owned franchises, each owner makes independent hiring decisions.

Real-World Practice

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

Franchise owners take extremely practical approaches—they need employees who show up for shifts, work efficiently during rushes, and maintain speed of service. Many franchise owners actively hire people with backgrounds, recognizing they often make loyal, hardworking employees.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Franchise owner's philosophy: This is the single biggest factor. Some owners actively seek to hire people with records as part of their business model. Others are more cautious. Each franchise sets completely independent policies.

Time since conviction: 1-2 years helps for fast food. 3+ years makes most positions very accessible.

Type of offense: Theft can be somewhat problematic since you'll handle cash and food inventory, but many franchise owners focus more on current presentation. Drug offenses, violent offenses, and other felonies get evaluated based on circumstances and owner discretion.

Position applied for: Entry-level crew member and cook positions have the highest acceptance rates. Cashier positions are very accessible. Shift leader requires proven reliability but isn't difficult to attain.

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

Your presentation: In franchise fast food, first impressions and reliability indicators matter enormously. If you present well and seem dependable, owners often hire immediately.

What Checkers/Rally's Looks For

Checkers/Rally's wants employees who can handle fast-paced drive-thru operations. They value:

• Reliability and consistent attendance

• Speed and efficiency (drive-thru times are critical)

• Ability to multitask in chaotic environments

• Schedule flexibility (late nights especially, as many locations are open late)

• Positive attitude during high-pressure rushes

• Team player mentality

• Food safety awareness

  
  

Franchise owners care much more about whether you'll show up for the night shift and handle Saturday rushes than your criminal record. If you can demonstrate dependability, your hiring chances are excellent.

Available Jobs at Checkers/Rally's

Checkers/Rally's offers several positions suitable for people with felony records:

1. Crew Member / Team Member

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Take drive-thru orders, prepare food, work grill/fryer, operate cash register, clean restaurant, work multiple stations, handle both drive-thru windows.

Requirements: Ability to multitask, speed, customer service via headset, willingness to work any position

Why it works: Most common entry position. Drive-thru focus means less face-to-face customer interaction. High turnover creates constant openings. Learn all aspects of operations.

2. Cook / Grill Operator

Pay: $10-13/hour

What you do: Work grill and fryer stations, prepare burgers and chicken, cook fries, maintain food quality, manage cooking times, keep kitchen organized during rushes.

Requirements: Ability to work in hot kitchen, multitask during rushes, follow recipes, work quickly

Why it works: Back-of-house focus. Speed-oriented cooking. Essential during busy drive-thru rushes. Limited customer interaction.

3. Cashier / Order Taker (Drive-Thru)

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Take drive-thru orders via headset, process payments at window, handle cash/credit, maintain accuracy during rushes, provide quick service.

Requirements: Good communication, multitasking, cash handling, ability to work under pressure, speed

Why it works: Drive-thru focused role. Fast-paced work during busy periods. Less direct face-to-face than traditional fast food.

4. Shift Leader / Shift Manager

Pay: $12-15/hour

What you do: Supervise crew during shifts, manage drive-thru operations, ensure speed and quality, handle customer issues, count registers, train employees.

Requirements: Fast food experience, leadership ability, reliability, problem-solving, ability to work any shift

Why it works: Quick advancement opportunity. Shows franchise owners value performance. Modest pay increase with more responsibility.

5. Prep Cook / Morning Prep

Pay: $10-12/hour

What you do: Prepare ingredients before service, prep vegetables and meats, make sauces, stock stations, set up kitchen for day's operations.

Requirements: Early morning availability, organization, ability to follow prep lists, food safety awareness

Why it works: Earlier shifts before rushes. Behind-the-scenes work. Clear prep procedures to follow.

6. Late Night Crew

Pay: $10-13/hour (sometimes slightly higher for late shifts)

What you do: Work late night drive-thru service (often until 2am-4am), handle drunk/late-night customers, maintain operations during slower but challenging hours.

Requirements: Late night availability, patience with difficult customers, safety awareness working late hours

Why it works: Less desirable hours mean easier hiring. Many franchise owners very flexible for reliable late-night workers. Interesting rush patterns.

Best entry point: Start as Crew Member working any shift (especially late nights or weekends), demonstrate speed and reliability during rushes, show willingness to work the hardest shifts, then advance to Shift Leader quickly based on performance. Advancement can happen within months in fast food.

Background Check Process at Checkers/Rally's

Understanding the background check helps you prepare mentally and practically.

When It Happens

Checkers/Rally's franchises conduct background checks after interviews, but timing varies wildly by franchise owner. Some check before offering positions, others check during first week, and some smaller franchises have minimal formal processes.

Many franchise owners make extremely quick hiring decisions—you might interview and start the same day or within 48 hours. Background checks may happen concurrently with training.

What They Check

Checkers/Rally's franchises typically conduct basic 7-year background checks:

• Criminal records: Primarily local/state databases

• Identity verification: Basic confirmation

  
  

The extent of checking varies dramatically:

• Thorough franchises: Use national background check services with comprehensive searches

• Basic franchises: Simple local criminal record checks

• Minimal franchises: May have very limited formal background processes, hiring based primarily on interviews

How Long It Takes

Background checks for fast food franchises typically take 1-5 business days. Some franchises using instant services complete checks within 24 hours. Many let you start working before results return.

What Happens If Issues Arise

If something concerning appears:

1. The franchise owner typically contacts you directly

2. You have opportunity to explain

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

   
   

Franchise fast food is extremely personal. If the owner likes you and needs workers, they're very likely to hire you despite background issues. Your impression on the owner matters more than almost anything else.

Extreme Franchise Variation

Because nearly all Checkers/Rally's are franchises, approaches vary dramatically:

• Very flexible franchises: Hire almost anyone who seems reliable, minimal background checking

• Moderate franchises: Standard checks with practical evaluation

• Strict franchises: (Rare) More thorough checks with specific standards

  
  

You won't know your local restaurant's approach until you apply. This variation works strongly in your favor—different owners have completely different philosophies.

Application Tips for Checkers/Rally's

Follow these strategies to maximize your chances:

1. Apply in Person

Walk into multiple Checkers/Rally's locations during slow times (weekday afternoons 2-4pm). Ask to speak with the manager or owner. Many franchise owners prefer in-person applications where they can meet you directly. Fill out applications on-site.

2. Target Multiple Franchise Locations

Apply to every Checkers and Rally's within reasonable distance. Since each is independently owned, one owner might say no while another says yes immediately. Cast a very wide net.

3. Emphasize Availability and Reliability

Stress your availability for the hardest-to-fill shifts: "I'm available for late nights, closing shifts, weekends, any hours you need. I have reliable transportation and I show up when scheduled."

4. Show You Can Handle the Pace

Checkers/Rally's is known for fast drive-thru service. Emphasize speed: "I work well under pressure. I understand drive-thru times are critical and I thrive in fast-paced environments."

5. Be Ready for Immediate Hiring

Some franchise owners hire on the spot if they like you and need workers. Be prepared to start immediately. Have your ID and Social Security card with you when applying.

6. Be Honest But Brief About Your Record

If asked directly, be honest: "I have a [type] conviction from [year]. I've moved past that and I'm looking for stable work. I'm reliable and I'll show up every shift."

7. Demonstrate Extreme Reliability

Fast food franchise owners' biggest problem is no-shows. Make reliability your selling point: "My biggest strength is showing up. I don't call out unless it's truly an emergency. I understand restaurants can't function when people don't show up."

8. Be Willing to Work Any Position

Show flexibility: "I'm willing to work any position—grill, fryer, drive-thru, cleaning, whatever you need. I'll learn all the stations and help wherever I'm needed."

9. Dress Casually but Clean

Clean jeans or pants with a neat shirt. You're applying for fast food—don't overdress. Look clean, presentable, and ready to work.

10. Be Personable and Show Energy

Franchise owners hire based heavily on personality and gut feelings. Smile, make eye contact, show positive energy. Your demeanor matters enormously.

11. Apply During Desperate Times

Best times:

• When you see "Now Hiring" signs

• After big employee walkouts or sudden departures

• Before summer (losing student workers)

• After holidays

• Anytime the drive-thru is obviously understaffed

Desperate franchise owners hire fastest and most flexibly.

12. Follow Up Aggressively

Call or visit within 1-2 days. Franchise owners appreciate persistence. It shows you actually want to work, which many applicants don't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will every Checkers/Rally's location hire people with felonies?

A: No, but most will. Since virtually all locations are franchises, policies vary completely by owner. Some franchise owners actively seek to hire people with records. Others are slightly more cautious. You won't know until you apply to specific locations.

Q: Does Checkers/Rally's do drug testing?

A: This varies completely by franchise. Most smaller franchises don't drug test entry-level crew. Some larger franchise operations might test. It's uncommon for basic crew positions but ask if concerned.

Q: Will my theft conviction matter?

A: Less than you'd think at most franchises. While theft involves cash/inventory concerns, many franchise owners focus more on current reliability than past offenses. Be honest and let the owner decide. Many will still hire you.

Q: Can I work while on probation?

A: Almost certainly yes, as long as you can meet work schedule requirements. Fast food franchise owners routinely work with people in various legal situations. Be upfront about any scheduling limitations for probation appointments.

Q: How quickly can I start?

A: Sometimes the same day you apply. Many franchise owners will have you start immediately if they like you and need workers. Bring your ID and Social Security card when applying in case they want you to start right away.

Q: Can I advance to management with a felony?

A: Yes, and potentially quickly. Fast food promotes rapidly based on performance. If you show up reliably, work hard, and learn all positions, advancement to shift leader can happen within months. Many franchise owners care only about current performance.

Q: What if I can't find my local owner's contact info?

A: Just walk in and ask for the manager or owner. In-person visits work best for franchise fast food anyway.

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

A: Not necessarily during initial application. If they ask directly, be honest. Many franchise owners won't run thorough checks. But lying if asked will get you immediately disqualified if discovered.

Q: What's my best chance of getting hired?

A: Apply in person to multiple locations, emphasize late-night and weekend availability, show extreme reliability, present yourself well, and apply when they're obviously desperate for workers. Follow up persistently.

Q: Are Checkers or Rally's more flexible?

A: No difference—they're the same company with different branding by region. Flexibility depends entirely on individual franchise owners, not the brand name.

Similar Felon-Friendly Fast Food Drive-Thru Companies

If Checkers/Rally's doesn't work out, consider these similar drive-thru focused chains:

Sonic Drive-In – Drive-in restaurant with carhop service. Highly franchise-dependent, generally very felon-friendly.

Krystal – Southern burger chain similar to White Castle. Franchise-dependent with practical hiring.

Jack in the Box – Drive-thru focused fast food. Franchise variation with generally accessible hiring.

Carl's Jr./Hardee's – Drive-thru burger chains. Franchise-dependent hiring across locations.

Culver's – Fast-casual with drive-thru. Generally felon-friendly for crew positions.

Cook Out – Drive-thru focused chain in Southeast. Franchise-dependent with high hiring volume.

Apply to every fast-food franchise within reach. Since each is independently owned, cast an extremely wide net.

Final Thoughts

Checkers and Rally's give people with records excellent opportunities in fast-food employment. The franchise model means individual owners make hiring decisions, and many actively hire people with backgrounds who demonstrate reliability.

Your criminal history rarely disqualifies you automatically. Be honest, emphasize your reliability and availability for difficult shifts, and apply in person to multiple locations. Many people with felonies have built stable employment starting at Checkers/Rally's, often advancing to shift leader positions within months.

Start here: Visit checkers.com/careers to see openings online, then go in person to every Checkers and Rally’s location within reasonable distance during slow times (2–4 PM weekdays). Ask to speak with the manager or owner, bring your ID and work history, and be ready to fill out applications on the spot—you could even start immediately.