Quick Answer

Yes, Cheesecake Factory does hire people with felonies in 2025. As a full-service restaurant chain known for quality dining, Cheesecake Factory evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and position requirements.

Entry-level positions like dishwasher and busser pay $13-$16 per hour plus tips for tipped positions. Back-of-house kitchen positions are most accessible. While Cheesecake Factory maintains higher standards than fast-casual restaurants, they recognize that good employees come from diverse backgrounds and many locations practice second-chance hiring for people willing to work hard in a demanding environment.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Cheesecake Factory

3. Does Cheesecake Factory Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Cheesecake Factory

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Cheesecake Factory

Cheesecake Factory is an upscale casual dining chain with over 300 locations across the United States. Known for their extensive menu, generous portions, and signature cheesecakes, they operate full-service restaurants in shopping centers and entertainment districts. The company employs tens of thousands of workers in kitchen, service, and management positions.

For people with felonies, Cheesecake Factory presents solid opportunities in the restaurant industry. While they maintain higher standards than fast-food chains, they also offer better pay, more professional environments, and clearer advancement paths. Tips significantly boost income for servers and bussers. Kitchen positions provide skill development in high-volume restaurant cooking.

Cheesecake Factory restaurants need reliable staff to maintain their reputation for quality and service. High turnover in the restaurant industry means they're constantly hiring. Many general managers have discretion in hiring decisions and will give chances to people with criminal backgrounds who demonstrate strong work ethic and professionalism.

Does Cheesecake Factory Hire People with Felonies?

Cheesecake Factory does not have an absolute policy against hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate applicants based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. Each restaurant has some discretion in hiring decisions.

In practice, Cheesecake Factory locations hire people with various types of criminal backgrounds, though practices vary by location and management. The company follows fair chance hiring principles and complies with ban-the-box laws in applicable jurisdictions. Your success depends significantly on the specific restaurant, general manager, and your approach.

The type of conviction matters considerably. Non-violent offenses, especially drug-related convictions, are viewed most favorably. Many restaurant workers have past drug issues, and if you can demonstrate sobriety and reliability, these convictions rarely prevent employment. Time since conviction and evidence of rehabilitation matter more than the conviction itself.

Theft convictions create challenges in restaurant environments where you handle food, beverages, and sometimes cash. However, back-of-house positions like dishwasher or prep cook face less scrutiny because you're not handling money or customer property. Front-of-house positions like server or bartender are more difficult but not impossible if your theft conviction is old and you're completely honest about it.

Violent felonies are evaluated carefully. Customer-facing positions require demonstrating you can interact appropriately with diverse customers. Back-of-house kitchen positions are more accessible because interaction is primarily with coworkers rather than guests. Time matters enormously—a 10-year-old assault conviction carries much less weight than a recent one.

Sexual offenses create the most significant barriers at Cheesecake Factory. These convictions raise serious concerns in customer service environments. While not officially impossible, opportunities are very limited with this type of background.

Time since conviction is crucial. Anything over 7 years carries significantly less weight and may not appear on background checks in many states. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and improve your chances dramatically.

The position you apply for matters significantly. Dishwasher and prep cook positions have the highest acceptance rates for people with felonies. These back-of-house roles focus on hard work and reliability rather than customer interaction. Busser positions are also quite accessible. Line cook and expeditor roles are possible once you prove yourself. Server, host, and bartender positions face more scrutiny but aren't impossible with the right background and approach.

Location and management make substantial differences. Restaurants in urban areas typically have more experience with diverse candidates. General managers who value hard work over perfect backgrounds will give you chances. Restaurants with visible "now hiring" signs may be more flexible due to staffing needs.

Available Jobs at Cheesecake Factory

Cheesecake Factory offers several positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Dishwasher

($13-$15/hour)

You'll operate commercial dishwashers, clean pots and pans, maintain kitchen sanitation, and support kitchen staff. Physical work in hot, wet conditions. This is the most accessible position for people with felonies. Every restaurant needs reliable dishwashers, and the position doesn't require experience or customer interaction. Excellent entry point.

Prep Cook

($14-$17/hour)

You'll prepare ingredients, follow recipes, portion items, and support line cooks. Requires following instructions precisely and maintaining food safety standards. No previous experience required, but culinary interest helps. Good position for people with records who want to learn restaurant cooking.

Busser

($13-$16/hour plus tip share)

You'll clear tables, reset dining areas, assist servers, and maintain cleanliness. Physical work requiring speed and attention to detail. You receive a share of server tips, which significantly boosts income. Less scrutiny than server positions while still earning decent money.

Line Cook

($15-$20/hour)

You'll work cooking stations, prepare menu items to order, maintain food quality, and work under pressure. Requires some cooking experience or promotion from prep cook. Once you prove yourself in entry positions, moving to line cook increases your pay and develops valuable culinary skills.

Utility/Porter

($13-$16/hour)

You'll clean dining rooms, restrooms, and kitchen areas, take out trash, and perform general maintenance. Physical work with less direct supervision. Good for people who prefer working independently and have backgrounds that might limit customer-facing roles.

Expeditor

($14-$18/hour)

You'll coordinate between kitchen and servers, ensure order accuracy, manage timing, and maintain quality standards. Requires communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Bridge position between front and back of house. Accessible once you have restaurant experience.

Server

($7-$10/hour plus tips)

You'll take orders, serve food and drinks, provide customer service, and process payments. Earnings from tips typically bring total income to $20-$30/hour or more. This position faces the most scrutiny for people with felonies, but it's not impossible with the right background, time passed, and strong interview performance.

Best entry point

Dishwasher offers the fastest path to employment for people with felony convictions. Every Cheesecake Factory needs reliable dishwashers, the work requires no experience, and managers are most flexible about backgrounds for this position. Once employed, you can move to better positions based on performance.

Background Check Process

Understanding Cheesecake Factory's background check process helps you navigate the hiring system effectively.

Cheesecake Factory conducts background checks after interviewing candidates and making conditional offers. This means they decide they want to hire you before checking your background. This approach gives you the opportunity to make a strong personal impression first.

The background check typically looks back seven years for criminal history. This is standard for restaurant positions and follows most state regulations. Some jurisdictions legally limit how far back employers can look. The screening includes criminal records checks at county, state, and federal levels. They also verify employment history.

The process usually takes 5-10 business days. During this time, some locations may require drug testing, though this isn't universal across all Cheesecake Factory restaurants. Policies vary by state and local management. If drug testing is required, you'll be informed during the hiring process.

If something concerning appears on your background check, federal law requires Cheesecake Factory to provide a pre-adverse action notice before making a final decision. This gives you 5-10 days to review the report, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances or correct inaccuracies.

Geographic variations matter significantly. In ban-the-box jurisdictions, Cheesecake Factory cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some cities have even stricter regulations about what convictions can be considered. The company follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.

Individual restaurant discretion plays a role. General managers have significant input in hiring decisions. Even if something appears on your background check, a manager who was impressed during your interview may decide to hire you anyway. This is why making strong personal connections during the interview process is crucial.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at thecheesecakefactory.com/careers and also visit restaurants in person. Online applications are screened centrally, but in-person visits let you connect with managers directly.

   
   

2. Target dishwasher, prep cook, and busser positions first. These roles have the most flexible hiring standards and provide entry points into the company.

   
   

3. Don't mention your felony on the application if you're in a ban-the-box state. Answer questions honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.

   
   

4. Visit restaurants during slow times (2-4pm on weekdays) to speak with managers. Avoid peak lunch and dinner rushes when managers are too busy to talk. Bringing a resume and asking about opportunities shows professionalism.

   
   

5. Dress professionally when visiting or interviewing. Cheesecake Factory is upscale casual dining, not fast food. Business casual attire demonstrates you understand their standards. Clean appearance matters in restaurants.

   
   

6. Be completely honest if asked about your background. Prepare a brief, practiced explanation that takes responsibility, explains what you learned, and focuses on your commitment to reliable work. Keep it to 2-3 sentences.

   
   

7. Emphasize any food service, customer service, or hospitality experience. Even informal experience like cooking at home, helping with events, or volunteer work shows relevant skills and interest.

   
   

8. Highlight your work ethic and reliability. Cheesecake Factory restaurants are high-volume, fast-paced environments. They value employees who show up consistently and work hard. Give specific examples of your dependability.

   
   

9. Be flexible with scheduling. If you can work nights, weekends, or holidays, make this very clear. Restaurants need staff during busy times, and flexibility makes you more valuable.

   
   

10. Research Cheesecake Factory before your interview. Understanding their menu, company culture, and reputation for quality shows genuine interest. Mentioning specific things you admire about the restaurant impresses managers.

    
    

11. Express interest in learning and advancement. Cheesecake Factory promotes from within regularly. Showing you want to grow with the company demonstrates long-term thinking rather than just looking for any job.

    
    

12. Bring references from anyone who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Former employers, volunteer coordinators, instructors, faith leaders, or community members provide valuable credibility.

    
    

13. Follow up 3-5 days after applying or interviewing. Call the restaurant and ask to speak with the hiring manager. Express continued interest and thank them for considering you. Persistence shows reliability.

    
    

14. Be prepared to start quickly. Restaurants often need workers urgently. If you can begin training within a few days, this makes you more attractive, especially if other candidates have longer notice periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at Cheesecake Factory?

Drug convictions, including felonies, are common among restaurant workers and rarely prevent employment at Cheesecake Factory. The restaurant industry understands that substance abuse issues affect many capable workers. However, you must be able to pass a drug test if required (policies vary by location) and remain sober while employed. Be honest about your past if asked, and emphasize your current sobriety and commitment to staying clean. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 2+ years, most managers view this very positively. Focus on your reliability and work ethic rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

Does Cheesecake Factory do drug testing?

Drug testing policies at Cheesecake Factory vary by location and state laws. Some restaurants require pre-employment drug screening while others don't. Management and bartender positions are more likely to be tested than entry-level kitchen positions. The hiring manager will inform you during the process if testing is required. Given the variability, don't assume you will or won't be tested. If you're in recovery and taking prescribed medications that might appear on tests, bring proper documentation. The safest approach is being prepared to pass a drug test even if it may not be required.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying?

You can apply to Cheesecake Factory immediately after your conviction. The company doesn't require specific waiting periods. However, your chances improve with time. If your conviction is less than 2 years old, focus on back-of-house positions like dishwasher or prep cook. After 3-5 years of clean records, more positions become accessible. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on standard background checks in most states. The key is demonstrating stability since your conviction—reliable work history, stable housing, and staying out of trouble. Don't wait unnecessarily if you need work now.

Can I work at Cheesecake Factory while on probation or parole?

Yes, many Cheesecake Factory employees work while on probation or parole. Having employment helps satisfy supervision requirements. Be upfront with your hiring manager about any restrictions like curfews or required check-ins. Restaurant scheduling can usually accommodate these needs. Late-night restrictions might limit closing shifts, but plenty of earlier shifts are available. Some managers will coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest about your situation is better than hiding it and having conflicts arise later.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from Cheesecake Factory?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you, but they do create challenges. Customer-facing positions require demonstrating appropriate interpersonal behavior. Back-of-house kitchen positions like dishwasher, prep cook, and line cook are more accessible because interaction is primarily with coworkers. Time matters significantly—a 10-year-old assault conviction carries much less weight than one from 2 years ago. Be prepared to discuss what happened honestly and show evidence of positive change. Different managers have different comfort levels, so you may need to apply to multiple locations.

What if I have theft or fraud convictions?

Theft and fraud convictions create challenges in restaurant environments where you handle food, supplies, and sometimes cash. Back-of-house positions like dishwasher and prep cook are more accessible because you're not handling money or customer property directly. Server and bartender positions face more scrutiny due to cash handling. Be completely honest about your conviction if asked, take responsibility, and explain how you've changed. Time matters significantly—a 10-year-old theft conviction is viewed very differently than a recent one. If you've had stable employment since without problems, emphasize this strongly.

Can I become a server with a felony?

Becoming a server with a felony is possible but more challenging than back-of-house positions. Servers handle money and interact extensively with customers, which creates more scrutiny. However, many people with felonies work as servers at Cheesecake Factory. Your best path is starting in a back-of-house position like dishwasher or busser, proving your reliability over 6-12 months, then requesting to move to serving. Once you're an established employee with a good track record, your criminal background matters much less. Time since conviction is also crucial—older convictions are less problematic.

Are certain types of Cheesecake Factory locations better for hiring people with felonies?

While all locations follow corporate guidelines, urban restaurants and those in diverse markets typically have more experience hiring people with criminal backgrounds. Restaurants with visible "now hiring" signs or known staffing challenges may be more flexible. Locations in states with strong ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring practices. The most important factor is the individual general manager's attitude. Some managers actively practice second-chance hiring while others are more cautious. Apply to multiple locations to find managers willing to give you an opportunity.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Act immediately if your background check shows incorrect information. Federal law requires Cheesecake Factory to send a pre-adverse action notice before making final decisions based on background check results. You typically have 5-10 business days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both Cheesecake Factory's HR department and the background screening company to file a formal dispute. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing charges were dismissed or expunged. Follow up every 2-3 days. Missing this window could cost you the job.

Does Cheesecake Factory offer advancement for people with felonies?

Yes, Cheesecake Factory promotes from within regularly, and your criminal background becomes much less relevant once you're an established employee. Dishwashers move to prep cooks, then line cooks. Bussers become servers. Servers become trainers and eventually managers. The company values performance and loyalty over perfect backgrounds. Many people with felonies have built successful restaurant careers at Cheesecake Factory by starting in entry-level positions and advancing based on their work. Your track record with the company matters far more than your criminal record for internal promotion.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Cheesecake Factory doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in casual dining, consider these restaurants:

Olive Garden: Large casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants. They hire people with felonies for various positions and offer similar opportunities to Cheesecake Factory.

Red Lobster: Also owned by Darden with similar hiring practices. Good option for people with criminal backgrounds interested in restaurant work.

Outback Steakhouse: Casual dining chain that hires people with felonies regularly, especially for back-of-house positions.

Texas Roadhouse: Steakhouse chain known for giving second chances. They hire people with various criminal backgrounds for kitchen and service positions.

Chili's: Casual dining chain that practices fair chance hiring and offers opportunities for people with felonies in multiple positions.

Final Thoughts

Cheesecake Factory offers real opportunities for people with felony convictions who want to work in professional restaurant environments. While they maintain higher standards than fast-food chains, they also provide better pay, tips, career development, and advancement potential. Your best strategy is targeting back-of-house positions initially, being honest about your background when appropriate, and demonstrating strong work ethic.

Start by applying at thecheesecakefactory.com/careers to every location within reasonable distance. Focus on dishwasher, prep cook, and busser positions for the fastest entry. Visit restaurants in person during slow hours to meet managers. Dress professionally and emphasize your reliability and willingness to learn. Many people with criminal backgrounds have built solid restaurant careers at Cheesecake Factory—with the right approach and persistence, you can too.