Quick Answer

Chick-fil-A's hiring of people with felony convictions varies dramatically by location since virtually all restaurants are independently owned franchises. Franchise operators make completely independent hiring decisions within brand guidelines. With over 3,000 locations nationwide, Chick-fil-A offers opportunities in team member, kitchen crew, shift leader, and management positions starting at $12-16/hour.

Your best chances are in kitchen and team member roles where work ethic and positive attitude matter. Many operators actively practice second-chance hiring, while others may be more selective. Apply to multiple franchise locations to maximize your chances.

Last Verified: October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Chick-fil-A

3. Does Chick-fil-A Hire People with Felonies?

4. What Chick-fil-A Operators Look For

5. Available Jobs at Chick-fil-A

6. Background Check Process at Chick-fil-A

7. Application Tips for Chick-fil-A

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Fast Food Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is a fast-food chain specializing in chicken sandwiches and known for exceptional customer service, closed Sundays policy, and strong company values. The company operates over 3,000 restaurants across 47 states, with virtually all locations independently owned and operated by franchise operators who hire and manage their own teams.

Chick-fil-A restaurants need dedicated employees who embody the company's service-focused culture, work efficiently during busy periods, maintain quality standards, and provide signature hospitality. The chain is known for treating employees exceptionally well compared to typical fast food.

For people with records, Chick-fil-A matters because the franchise model creates opportunities for individualized hiring based on operator philosophy. Many operators specifically embrace second-chance hiring as part of their community service mission. If you're willing to embrace the company's service culture and demonstrate reliability, you have real opportunities.

Does Chick-fil-A Hire People with Felonies?

Yes, but it varies dramatically by individual franchise operator.

Franchise Operator Independence

Unlike corporate chains, each Chick-fil-A is operated by an independent franchise operator who:

• Makes all hiring decisions

• Sets policies within brand guidelines

• Determines their approach to second-chance hiring

• Personally manages and mentors their team

  
  

This means one Chick-fil-A might actively seek to hire people with records while another is more selective. You won't know until you apply.

Real-World Practice

Team members and kitchen crew with felony records get hired regularly at many Chick-fil-A locations. The chain's reputation for exceptional employee treatment, development, and culture attracts operators who value giving people second chances.

Many operators view second-chance hiring as part of their mission to serve their communities and develop people. Some operators explicitly state commitment to hiring people with records.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Operator's personal philosophy: This is the overwhelming factor. Some operators passionately believe in second chances. Others are more cautious. The operator's values determine everything.

Time since conviction: 2-3 years helps significantly. 5+ years makes most positions very accessible with most operators.

Type of offense: Theft can raise concerns in fast-food environments, but many operators focus on rehabilitation rather than past mistakes. Drug offenses, violent offenses, and other felonies get evaluated based on operator discretion.

Position applied for: Team member (front counter) and kitchen crew have similar accessibility. Shift leader and management require proven track record but aren't impossible.

Your presentation and attitude: Chick-fil-A emphasizes culture fit. Your demeanor, attitude, and service orientation matter enormously—often more than your background.

Community connection: Operators deeply involved in their communities often prioritize helping local residents, including those with records.

What Chick-fil-A Operators Look For

Chick-fil-A operators want team members who embody their service culture. They value:

• Positive, friendly attitude (critical cultural fit)

• Genuine desire to serve customers with excellence

• Reliability and consistent attendance

• Coachability and willingness to learn "the Chick-fil-A way"

• Team player mentality

• Alignment with company values

• Long-term interest (operators invest heavily in development)

  
  

Operators care more about your current attitude and commitment to service excellence than your past mistakes. If you genuinely embrace the service culture and demonstrate reliability, many operators will give you strong consideration.

Available Jobs at Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers several positions suitable for people with felony records:

1. Team Member (Front of House)

Pay: $12-16/hour

What you do: Take orders, serve customers with signature hospitality, operate register, prepare beverages, maintain dining room, provide exceptional service experience.

Requirements: Positive attitude, customer service orientation, ability to work fast-paced environment, friendly demeanor

Why it works: Entry-level position with Chick-fil-A's exceptional culture. Direct customer interaction for those with good people skills. Known for treating employees exceptionally well.

2. Kitchen Team Member / Cook

Pay: $12-16/hour

What you do: Prepare chicken sandwiches and menu items, work fryer and grill, maintain food quality standards, follow exact procedures, ensure speed and quality.

Requirements: Ability to work in fast kitchen environment, attention to food safety, follow procedures exactly, team player

Why it works: Back-of-house position with less customer interaction. Focus on food preparation and quality. Clear procedures to follow.

3. Shift Leader / Team Leader

Pay: $14-18/hour

What you do: Lead team during shifts, ensure service standards, train team members, handle customer concerns, support operator's vision, maintain operations.

Requirements: Chick-fil-A experience typically required, leadership ability, embodies company culture, reliability

Why it works: Advancement opportunity demonstrating operators value performance. Leadership development for those who prove themselves.

4. Catering Coordinator

Pay: $13-17/hour

What you do: Process catering orders, coordinate delivery or pickup, communicate with catering customers, ensure catering quality.

Requirements: Organization, customer service, attention to detail, reliable communication

Why it works: Specialized role supporting growing catering business. Less direct interaction than front counter.

5. Drive-Thru Team Member

Pay: $12-16/hour

What you do: Take drive-thru orders, serve customers at window with signature hospitality, maintain speed of service, provide exceptional experience.

Requirements: Multitasking, clear communication, speed, positive attitude, accuracy

Why it works: Critical position in Chick-fil-A's operations. High-volume customer interaction with structured service approach.

6. Breakfast Team Member

Pay: $12-16/hour

What you do: Work breakfast shift (typically 5am-1pm), prepare breakfast menu items, serve morning customers, maintain breakfast quality standards.

Requirements: Early morning availability, breakfast menu knowledge, positive morning attitude

Why it works: Early shifts sometimes easier to fill. Breakfast-focused hours create specialized opportunity.

Best entry point: Start as Team Member (front or back of house based on your strengths), demonstrate exceptional attitude and reliability, embrace the Chick-fil-A service culture, prove yourself during 90-day evaluation, then advance to Shift Leader or specialized roles. Many operators actively develop their teams for advancement.

Note: Chick-fil-A is closed Sundays, meaning Sunday availability isn't needed—a unique benefit in fast food.

Background Check Process at Chick-fil-A

Understanding the background check helps you prepare:

When It Happens

Chick-fil-A operators conduct background checks after interviews, timing varies by operator. Some check before offers, others during initial training period.

Many operators make quick hiring decisions based on personal interviews and impressions, with background checks confirming rather than determining hiring.

What They Check

Chick-fil-A franchises typically conduct 7-year background checks covering:

• Criminal records: Felonies and misdemeanors

• Identity verification: Confirming accuracy

• Employment history: Sometimes verified

The depth varies by operator—some use comprehensive services, others basic checks.

How Long It Takes

Background checks typically take 3-7 business days. Some operators using expedited services complete checks within 24-48 hours.

What Happens If Issues Arise

If something concerning appears:

1. The operator typically discusses findings with you directly

2. You have opportunity to provide context and explain rehabilitation

3. The operator makes a personal decision based on their values and assessment of you

4. Many operators will hire despite backgrounds if they believe in you

   
   

Chick-fil-A's franchise model means hiring is deeply personal. If the operator connected with you during interviews and believes you'll embody their culture, many will give you a chance despite background issues.

Operator Discretion is Everything

Because each Chick-fil-A is independently operated:

• Flexible operators: Some prioritize second chances and community impact

• Standard operators: Case-by-case evaluation with focus on cultural fit

• Selective operators: (Less common) More cautious approaches

  
  

You won't know your local operator's philosophy until you apply and interview.

Application Tips for Chick-fil-A

Follow these strategies to maximize your chances:

1. Apply to Multiple Franchise Locations

Each Chick-fil-A is independently operated. Apply to every location within reasonable distance. One operator might say no while another enthusiastically says yes. Cast a wide net across different operators.

2. Apply in Person When Possible

Many operators prefer meeting applicants directly. Visit during slower times (2-4pm weekdays). Ask to speak with the operator or manager. Personal connection matters enormously in franchise hiring.

3. Research the Specific Operator

Many operators are involved in their communities. Research the operator's background and community involvement. Reference this if appropriate: "I know you're active in [community initiative], which aligns with my interest in..."

4. Emphasize Cultural Fit

Chick-fil-A has strong culture. Show you understand and embrace it: "I appreciate Chick-fil-A's focus on service excellence and treating people with respect. That's the kind of environment I want to work in."

5. Demonstrate Positive Attitude

Your attitude matters more than almost anything else. Smile genuinely, make eye contact, show enthusiasm, be respectful, demonstrate friendliness. Cultural fit often outweighs background concerns.

6. Show Understanding of "My Pleasure"

Chick-fil-A's signature response is "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome." Understanding these cultural touchpoints shows you've researched the company.

7. Be Honest About Your Background

When asked, be honest but emphasize growth: "I have a [type] conviction from [year]. That experience taught me the importance of integrity and reliability. I'm looking for an opportunity with a company known for developing people, which is why I'm drawn to Chick-fil-A."

8. Highlight Availability

Emphasize flexibility: "I'm available Monday-Saturday, any shifts needed." (Remember: closed Sundays—no Sunday work required, which is unique in fast food.)

9. Express Long-Term Interest

Operators invest heavily in training. Show commitment: "I'm looking to build a career, not just get a temporary job. I'm interested in Chick-fil-A's reputation for developing and promoting team members."

10. Prepare for Values-Based Questions

Expect questions about customer service philosophy, handling difficult situations, working in team environments, and embodying company values. Prepare thoughtful answers demonstrating service orientation.

11. Dress Neatly and Professionally

Business casual—clean pants/jeans with collared shirt. Chick-fil-A emphasizes professionalism. Look presentable and put-together.

12. Follow Up Personally

After applying/interviewing, follow up within 2-3 days. Call or visit in person. Express continued interest. Personal persistence shows genuine desire to work there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all Chick-fil-A operators willing to hire people with felonies?

A: No. Each operator makes independent decisions based on their personal values and business philosophy. Some operators actively embrace second-chance hiring as part of their mission. Others are more selective. The only way to know is to apply to multiple locations and see which operators respond positively.

Q: Will my theft conviction prevent me from getting hired?

A: Not necessarily. While theft creates concerns in any retail environment, many Chick-fil-A operators focus more on current character and rehabilitation than past mistakes. Time since conviction and your presentation matter significantly. Be honest and let individual operators decide.

Q: Does Chick-fil-A do drug testing?

A: This varies by operator. Some require pre-employment drug testing, others don't. It's more common for management positions. Policies are entirely up to individual operators. Ask during the interview process if concerned.

Q: Can I work at Chick-fil-A while on probation?

A: Very likely yes with most operators, as long as you can meet work schedule requirements Monday-Saturday while fulfilling probation obligations. Many operators work with people in various life situations. Be upfront about any scheduling needs.

Q: How long after my conviction should I wait?

A: There's no universal rule since operators decide independently. However, 2-3 years helps significantly with most operators. Some operators will hire people with very recent convictions if they genuinely believe in the person's transformation.

Q: Is Chick-fil-A's culture really as good as people say?

A: Generally yes. Chick-fil-A is known for treating employees exceptionally well compared to typical fast food—better pay, positive culture, development opportunities, scholarship programs, closed Sundays. However, the culture also has high expectations for service excellence and attitude.

Q: Can I advance to management with a felony?

A: Yes. Many Chick-fil-A operators believe in developing their team members. If you prove yourself reliable, embody the culture, and demonstrate leadership, advancement to Shift Leader and beyond is possible. Some operators specifically prioritize promoting from within.

Q: What if I don't get hired at one location?

A: Apply to other Chick-fil-A locations. Each is independently operated. One operator saying no doesn't mean another won't say yes. Different operators have different philosophies and needs.

Q: Do I need restaurant experience?

A: No. Chick-fil-A provides comprehensive training. They often prefer to train people "the Chick-fil-A way" rather than unteach habits from other restaurants. Positive attitude and willingness to learn matter more than experience.

Q: Why do people say Chick-fil-A is different from other fast food?

A: Higher service standards, better employee treatment, strong culture and values, closed Sundays, operator investment in team development, scholarship opportunities, generally better pay than typical fast food, and emphasis on long-term team member development rather than just filling positions.

Similar Felon-Friendly Fast Food Companies

If Chick-fil-A doesn't work out or you want to maximize options:

Culver's – Midwest fast-casual chain known for treating employees well and case-by-case hiring.

In-N-Out Burger – West Coast chain with exceptional pay/benefits and fair hiring practices.

Raising Cane's – Chicken finger chain with positive culture and practical hiring approaches.

Zaxby's – Chicken chain primarily in Southeast with franchise variation in hiring.

PDQ – Smaller chicken chain with quality focus and case-by-case evaluation.

Slim Chickens – Growing chicken chain with franchise-dependent hiring.

Apply to multiple chicken-focused and quality fast-food chains. Many emphasize culture and employee development similar to Chick-fil-A.

Final Thoughts

Chick-fil-A offers real opportunities for people with felony records, but success depends heavily on finding operators who embrace second-chance hiring. The franchise model means dramatically different approaches by location.

Your best strategy: apply to multiple Chick-fil-A locations, emphasize your positive attitude and service orientation, demonstrate genuine interest in the company's culture, and be honest about your background while focusing on your current character. Many operators will give you a genuine chance if you embody the service mindset they're looking for.

Start here: Visit chick-fil-a.com/careers to apply online, then identify all Chick-fil-A locations within reasonable distance. Visit in person when possible, ask to speak with operators or managers, express genuine interest in the company’s culture and mission, and apply to multiple franchise locations to find those open to second-chance hiring.