Quick Answer

Yes, Compass Group hires people with felony convictions case-by-case. As the world's largest food and support services company operating at 55,000+ locations across North America, Compass Group offers highly accessible employment:

• Food Service Worker: $14-20/hour (cafeteria service, food prep, dishwashing)

• Cook / Line Cook: $16-24/hour (cooking, meal preparation, kitchen operations)

• Catering Attendant: $15-22/hour (event catering, setup, service)

• Dining Services Supervisor: $18-28/hour (overseeing food service operations)
  

Career Path: Food Service Worker → Cook → Supervisor ($40k-$60k/year)

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Compass Group

3. Does Compass Group Hire People with Felonies?

4. Compass Group Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

5. Compass Group Background Check: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at Compass Group with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Food Service & Catering Companies

9. Final Thoughts

About Compass Group

Compass Group operates as the world's largest food and support services company with operations at 55,000+ client locations across North America including corporate dining, healthcare food services, education dining (K-12, colleges/universities), sports and entertainment venues, senior living communities, and business & industry catering, employing approximately 290,000 workers in the United States. Compass Group operates through multiple divisions including Eurest (corporate dining), Morrison Healthcare (hospital food services), Chartwells (education dining), Levy (sports/entertainment), and others. As a massive food services provider, Compass Group offers exceptionally accessible employment for people with criminal records due to constant high-volume hiring needs across thousands of locations, behind-the-scenes food preparation and kitchen work, entry-level positions requiring minimal experience, high turnover creating continuous openings, case-by-case hiring evaluation, diverse worksites from corporate cafeterias to university dining halls, and clear advancement from dishwasher to cook to supervisor over 2-5 years in 2025.

Why Compass Group Is HIGHLY Accessible for Felons:

1. MASSIVE hiring volume - 290,000 employees, thousands hired monthly across nation

2. 55,000+ locations - Apply to multiple Compass sites (hospitals, colleges, corporate, venues)

3. Behind-the-scenes food service - Kitchen prep, cooking, dishwashing, no customer-facing retail

4. Entry-level accessible - Dishwasher, food prep, service worker require no experience

5. High turnover - Food service 50-100% annual turnover creates constant openings

6. Multiple divisions - Eurest, Morrison, Chartwells, Levy, Canteen (apply to all divisions)

7. Case-by-case evaluation - Individual assessment, not automatic rejection policies

8. Career advancement - Clear path from entry-level to cook ($16-24/hr) to supervisor ($18-28/hr)

9. Healthcare and education - Many positions at hospitals, universities (stable worksites)

10. Part-time and full-time - Flexible scheduling options accommodate various needs

Does Compass Group Hire People with Felonies?

Compass Group Hiring Approach (2025): Compass Group evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case following food service industry standards that prioritize reliability, work ethic, food safety consciousness, and customer service over criminal backgrounds for most positions. Compass Group faces constant hiring needs across 55,000+ locations with high turnover typical in food service industry creating accessible employment. Local site managers and food service directors have significant hiring discretion, particularly for entry-level dishwasher, food prep, and kitchen assistant positions. Healthcare facilities (hospitals, senior living through Morrison division) may conduct more thorough background checks due to vulnerable populations but still hire case-by-case. Education sites (K-12 schools, universities through Chartwells division) may have enhanced scrutiny especially for positions with student contact. Many people with various felonies work successfully at Compass Group across all divisions—food service values reliability, punctuality, food safety knowledge (learned on job), and willingness to work various shifts. Violence and sex offenses face most scrutiny, especially at healthcare and education sites in 2025.

What Compass Group Considers:

• Position type and worksite (back-of-house kitchen vs front-of-house serving, healthcare vs corporate)

• Time since conviction (1-3+ years better but flexible due to hiring volume)

• Nature of conviction (theft in food handling scrutinized, sex offenses at schools problematic)

• Reliability and work ethic (attendance critical in food service operations)

• Willingness to work various shifts (early morning, late evening, weekends common)

• Food handler certification or willingness to obtain (required in most jurisdictions)

• Location-specific requirements (hospitals may have enhanced checks, schools vary by district)

Most Accessible Compass Group Positions: Dishwasher, Food Service Worker, Kitchen Assistant, Food Prep Worker, Utility Worker, Catering Setup, Storeroom Attendant

What Convictions Are Widely Accepted: Non-violent felonies (widely acceptable for back-of-house kitchen positions), drug convictions (if clean now and can pass drug test varies by site), property crimes, assault depending on circumstances (case-by-case), DUI/traffic violations (not driving positions), probation violations

What Faces Scrutiny: Theft (food service inventory access, cash handling in some positions), violence (kitchen with knives and equipment, team environment), sex offenses (especially healthcare and education sites with vulnerable populations or students), recent convictions within 6-12 months, active warrants

Compass Group Application Strategy: Apply at compass-usa.com/careers or specific division websites (eurest.com, morrisonhealthcare.com, chartwellshighered.com). Target Dishwasher or Food Service Worker (most accessible entry requiring no experience). Apply to multiple Compass locations and divisions (corporate dining, healthcare, universities, venues). Emphasize reliability, food safety consciousness, and willingness to work any shift. Food service high turnover means constant hiring—apply frequently if initially unsuccessful. Start in back-of-house kitchen positions (dishwasher, prep cook) which face least background scrutiny.

Compass Group Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

1. Dishwasher / Utility Worker

   Pay: $14-18/hour ($29,000-$37,000/year)

   Working in Compass Group commercial kitchens operating industrial dishwashing machines, washing dishes, pots, pans, and cooking equipment, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards, supporting kitchen operations with cleaning duties, taking out trash and recycling, mopping floors and cleaning work areas, following food safety and sanitation procedures.

   Why MOST Accessible: Entry-level position requiring ZERO experience or skills, straightforward dishwashing and cleaning work, behind-the-scenes back-of-house kitchen operations, minimal customer interaction, physically straightforward work, food service constantly needs dishwashers (highest turnover position), prove reliability to advance to food prep or cook positions earning $16-24/hour, easiest Compass Group entry point for people with criminal records.
   

2. Food Service Worker / Cafeteria Worker

   Pay: $14-20/hour ($29,000-$42,000/year)

   Working in Compass Group cafeterias and dining facilities serving food to customers, operating serving lines and food stations, restocking food and supplies, maintaining service area cleanliness, assisting customers with selections, cash register operation in some positions, following food safety and portion control procedures, working breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts.

   
   

   Why Highly Accessible: Entry-level food service position with minimal requirements, behind-the-scenes and front-line cafeteria service (corporate dining, healthcare cafeterias, university dining halls—not public restaurant), straightforward serving and customer service work, food service experience developed through on-job training, high hiring volume across thousands of Compass cafeterias nationwide, advance to lead server or supervisory roles with experience.

   
   

3. Food Prep Worker / Kitchen Assistant

   Pay: $15-20/hour ($31,000-$42,000/year)

   Working in Compass kitchens preparing ingredients for cooking, chopping vegetables and fruits, measuring ingredients, preparing salads and cold items, following recipes and preparation procedures, maintaining prep area cleanliness and food safety, supporting cooks with meal production, learning basic cooking skills and techniques.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Back-of-house kitchen preparation work, behind-the-scenes food prep operations, minimal customer interaction, food preparation skills learned on job through training, gateway to cook positions earning $16-24/hour, prove knife skills and reliability to advance, straightforward repetitive prep work.

   
   

4. Cook / Line Cook

   Pay: $16-24/hour ($33,000-$50,000/year)

   Cooking meals for Compass Group dining operations following standardized recipes, operating commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, grills, fryers, steamers), preparing hot entrees, vegetables, and meal components, ensuring food quality and presentation standards, following food safety and sanitation procedures, coordinating with kitchen team on meal production, working various kitchen stations.

   
   

   Requirements: Cooking experience helpful but training provided, food handler certification (obtained through Compass), ability to work in hot fast-paced kitchen environment.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Core food service position with advancement from food prep or entry-level, cooking skills developed through Compass training programs and on-job experience, behind-the-scenes kitchen cooking operations, higher pay than entry positions ($16-24/hour vs $14-18/hour), critical to dining operations, advance to lead cook or sous chef positions with experience, case-by-case evaluation with cooking ability and reliability prioritized.

   
   

5. Catering Attendant / Event Staff

   Pay: $15-22/hour ($31,000-$46,000/year)

   Working Compass Group catering events setting up event spaces, arranging food service displays and buffets, serving food and beverages to event guests, maintaining service areas during events, breaking down and cleaning after events, transporting catering equipment and supplies, working weddings, corporate events, university functions, sports venue catering.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Event catering work at various Compass client sites, behind-the-scenes setup and breakdown work combined with event service, part-time and on-call opportunities common, flexible scheduling around events, customer service in catering environment (corporate events, venues, campus events—not public restaurant), prove reliability and service skills to advance to catering coordinator or supervisor, overtime opportunities for weekend and evening events.

   
   

6. Storeroom Attendant / Receiving Clerk

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working in Compass food service storerooms receiving food deliveries and supplies, organizing and storing inventory properly, maintaining food storage temperatures and rotation (FIFO), issuing supplies to kitchen staff, tracking inventory levels, operating forklifts in some positions, maintaining storeroom cleanliness and organization, following food safety storage procedures.

   
   

   Requirements: Organizational skills, physical capability for receiving and stocking, forklift certification helpful (may be provided).

   
   

   Why Accessible: Behind-the-scenes food service support work, straightforward receiving and inventory organization, minimal customer interaction, inventory management skills developed on job, forklift operation opportunity in larger facilities, advance to food service supervisor or purchasing coordinator, case-by-case evaluation.

   
   

7. Barista / Coffee Bar Attendant

   Pay: $14-19/hour ($29,000-$40,000/year) + tips at some locations

   Operating coffee bars and beverage stations at Compass locations (corporate offices, hospitals, universities), preparing coffee drinks and specialty beverages, serving pastries and grab-and-go food items, operating cash register and point-of-sale systems, maintaining coffee bar cleanliness and stock, customer service with office workers, healthcare staff, or students.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Front-line beverage service in corporate, healthcare, or education environments (not public coffee shop), coffee-making skills learned through Compass training, straightforward beverage preparation and service, customer interaction with professional adult customers (B2B corporate environment), advance to coffee bar supervisor or food service coordinator, case-by-case evaluation with customer service emphasized.

   
   

8. Grill Cook / Short Order Cook

   Pay: $16-23/hour ($33,000-$48,000/year)

   Working grill stations at Compass cafeterias and dining facilities cooking made-to-order items (burgers, sandwiches, breakfast items), operating commercial grills and cooking equipment, ensuring food quality and cooking temperatures, following customer orders and specifications, maintaining grill station cleanliness, fast-paced cooking during peak meal periods.

   
   

   Requirements: Grill cooking experience helpful but Compass provides training, ability to work in hot kitchen environment, multitasking during busy service.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Specialized cooking position with training provided, behind-the-scenes and semi-visible grill cooking (customer-facing in cafeteria but institutional not retail), higher pay than general food service ($16-23/hour), grill skills valued across food service, advance to lead cook or kitchen supervisor, case-by-case evaluation.

   
   

9. Healthcare Food Service Worker (Morrison Healthcare Division)

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working at Morrison Healthcare hospital and healthcare facility dining delivering patient meal trays, assembling therapeutic diet meals, serving food in hospital cafeterias, following dietary restrictions and patient nutrition plans, maintaining healthcare food safety and sanitation standards, customer service with patients and healthcare staff.

   
   

   Requirements: Food service skills, understanding of therapeutic diets (training provided), patient-focused customer service, healthcare environment experience helpful.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Healthcare food service at hospitals and senior living communities, behind-the-scenes patient meal assembly and delivery, semi-visible cafeteria service in healthcare setting, specialized healthcare food service skills learned through Morrison training, stable healthcare employment (hospitals operate 24/7 year-round), advance to diet technician or food service supervisor, case-by-case evaluation (healthcare may have enhanced background checks but still hires with records).

   
   

10. Dining Services Supervisor / Lead

    Pay: $18-28/hour ($37,000-$58,000/year)

    Supervising Compass Group food service staff and daily dining operations, managing meal service and production schedules, training and developing food service employees, ensuring food safety compliance and quality standards, handling customer issues and escalations, coordinating with management on operations, reporting on dining services performance, overseeing 5-20 food service staff typically.

    
    

    Requirements: Typically 2-3 years Compass food service experience, proven reliability and leadership, knowledge of food safety and service operations, promoted from food service worker, cook, or lead positions.

    
    

    Why Accessible: Compass Group promotes from within extensively regardless of criminal background, many dining services supervisors started as dishwashers with criminal records and proved reliability and leadership over 2-3 years, performance and leadership determine advancement not background, supervising food service operations in corporate, healthcare, education, or venue settings, career advancement ceiling removed with strong performance.

Compass Group Background Check: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): Compass Group conducts background checks after conditional job offer with policies varying somewhat by division (Eurest, Morrison, Chartwells, Levy) and client site requirements. Background checks typically review 7-year criminal history (state-dependent). Healthcare sites (Morrison division hospitals, senior living) may conduct more comprehensive checks due to vulnerable populations. Education sites (Chartwells K-12 schools) often require enhanced background checks including fingerprinting and sex offender registry for positions with student access. Corporate dining (Eurest) generally most flexible. Compass evaluates case-by-case considering time, nature, position, and worksite. High-volume hiring and turnover creates accessible evaluation.

Timeline: 3-7 days typical for most positions. Education and healthcare sites may take 7-14 days for enhanced checks.

What May Disqualify: Sex offenses (especially education and healthcare sites with vulnerable populations or students—may be automatic disqualification for those specific worksites), violence (kitchen environment with knives and equipment, team safety), recent theft (food service inventory and cash handling access), active warrants, positions requiring specific security clearances at government facilities

Worksite-Specific Considerations:

• Corporate Dining (Eurest): Generally most flexible, case-by-case evaluation standard

• Healthcare (Morrison): Enhanced background checks, but still hires case-by-case for back-of-house positions

• Education (Chartwells): K-12 schools most restrictive (fingerprinting, sex offender checks), universities more flexible

• Sports/Entertainment (Levy): Case-by-case evaluation, event-based work considerations

• Canteen/Refreshment Services: Vending/market services, flexible evaluation

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing varies by division and worksite in 2025. Some Compass locations require drug testing (healthcare sites typically test), others may not test for all positions. Random drug testing during employment varies. Zero-tolerance at healthcare facilities. If location tests and you cannot pass, try different Compass division or site (policies vary significantly by client location).

How to Get Hired at Compass Group with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply to MULTIPLE Compass Locations and Divisions

   Compass operates at 55,000+ client sites. Apply broadly: compass-usa.com/careers. Target different divisions (Eurest corporate dining, Morrison healthcare, Chartwells education, Levy venues) and multiple geographic locations. Some sites more flexible than others—cast wide net.
   

2. Target Dishwasher or Food Service Worker FIRST

   Dishwasher and Food Service Worker positions most accessible requiring zero experience, straightforward work, back-of-house kitchen operations minimizing customer interaction concerns. Apply for these entry-level roles first to get hired, then advance internally.
   

3. Emphasize Reliability and Work Ethic

   "I'm reliable, punctual, and committed to food safety and teamwork in kitchen environment" exactly what food service managers need to hear. Reliability and showing up consistently matter infinitely more than background in high-turnover food service.
   

4. Show Shift Flexibility

   "I'm available any shift including early mornings, evenings, and weekends" valuable. Food service operates during all meal periods. Breakfast shifts (5am-2pm), dinner shifts (2pm-10pm), weekend availability increase hiring odds significantly.
   

5. Target Corporate Dining (Eurest) Locations First

   If concerned about background, target Compass corporate dining accounts (Eurest division) serving company cafeterias and office buildings—generally most flexible on backgrounds. Healthcare and education sites may have enhanced requirements.
   

6. Obtain Food Handler Certification BEFORE Applying

   Many jurisdictions require food handler certification. Complete online food safety course ($10-$20, 2-3 hours) before applying—shows initiative and commitment. Increases hiring odds. Some Compass sites provide certification after hire.
   

7. Be Honest About Criminal Background If Asked

   If asked about convictions during interview: "I have [type] conviction from [year], completed requirements, focused on stable food service career. I understand food safety is critical and I'm committed to reliability and following procedures."
   

8. Apply In-Person at Compass Sites

   Visit corporate cafeterias, hospital food services, university dining halls where Compass operates. Ask to speak with food service director or manager, express interest in positions. In-person demonstrates serious commitment to food service work.
   

9. Start Part-Time if Necessary

   Accept part-time Compass positions (many food service roles part-time initially). Prove reliability over 3-6 months, increase hours to full-time, advance to cook or supervisory roles. Getting hired is critical first step.
   

10. Don't Limit to Compass—Apply to All Food Service

    Food service industry broadly accessible. If Compass doesn't work immediately, apply to: Aramark, Sodexo (other major food service companies), restaurants, hospitals directly, university dining, catering companies—entire food service industry high turnover and constant hiring.
    

11. Highlight Any Food Service Experience

    Any restaurant, fast food, catering, hotel, hospital, or food service experience relevant. "I've worked in [food service] and understand kitchen operations, food safety, and customer service" demonstrates transferable skills and commitment.
    

12. Apply Repeatedly if Initially Unsuccessful

    Food service high turnover means constant new openings. If application unsuccessful, reapply every 30-60 days to same and different Compass locations. Persistence pays off in high-volume hiring environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Compass Group hire convicted felons?

   Yes, Compass Group hires people with felony convictions case-by-case in 2025. Food service high-volume hiring across 55,000+ locations creates accessible employment. Dishwasher ($14-18/hr, most accessible), Food Service Worker ($14-20/hr), Cook ($16-24/hr). Non-violent felonies widely accepted especially back-of-house positions. Apply to multiple Compass divisions (Eurest corporate dining, Morrison healthcare, Chartwells education, Levy venues). Behind-the-scenes food service kitchen work. Food service industry broadly accessible for people with criminal records.
   

2. Will Compass Group hire me with a felony?

   Likely depending on conviction type, time elapsed, position, and worksite in 2025. Non-violent felonies widely acceptable for kitchen positions. Drug convictions acceptable if clean now (drug testing varies by site). Theft faces scrutiny with food service inventory. Violence evaluated case-by-case. Sex offenses difficult especially education sites (may disqualify for K-12 schools). Target dishwasher or food prep (most accessible). Apply to corporate dining sites first (Eurest division generally most flexible). Apply to multiple Compass locations—55,000+ sites with varying policies.
   

3. What is the most accessible Compass Group position?

   Dishwasher/Utility Worker at $14-18/hour working in commercial kitchens operating dishwashing machines, cleaning dishes and equipment, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, zero experience or skills required, straightforward dishwashing and cleaning work, behind-the-scenes back-of-house kitchen operations, minimal customer interaction, food service constantly needs dishwashers (highest turnover), prove reliability to advance to food prep or cook earning $16-24/hour within 6-12 months, easiest Compass entry for people with records.
   

4. Can you work at Compass Group with a theft conviction?

   Potentially case-by-case depending on theft type, time elapsed, and position in 2025. Theft faces scrutiny in food service due to inventory and cash handling access in some roles. Old theft (5-10+ years) with restitution and rehabilitation more acceptable. Back-of-house kitchen positions (dishwasher, cook) without cash handling more accessible than front-line cashier roles. Be honest about theft conviction, explain circumstances and rehabilitation. Target corporate dining over healthcare/education sites for more flexible evaluation.
   

5. How far back does Compass Group background check go?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history in most states in 2025 (some states limit background checks to 7 years by law). Healthcare sites (Morrison division) may review longer timeframes. Education sites (Chartwells K-12 schools) conduct fingerprinting and sex offender registry checks. Corporate dining sites (Eurest) generally 7-year checks with case-by-case evaluation. Background check depth varies by division and client requirements.
   

6. Does Compass Group automatically reject felons?

   No, Compass Group does not automatically reject people with felonies—case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Food service high-volume hiring and constant turnover create flexible accessible hiring. Reliability, work ethic, and food safety consciousness matter most. Sex offenses face automatic disqualification at some worksites (especially K-12 schools). Violence and theft scrutinized but not automatic rejection. Position and worksite determine evaluation (back-of-house kitchen most flexible, education sites most restrictive).
   

7. Can you work at Compass Group while on probation or parole?

   Yes if hired. Many Compass food service employees manage probation/parole alongside employment in 2025. Food service shift schedules structured (morning, evening, weekend shifts available). Be upfront about PO appointments after hired—coordinate with supervisor. Stable food service employment ($29k-$50k depending on position) demonstrates rehabilitation. Food service jobs common for people on supervision due to accessible hiring.
   

8. Does Compass Group drug test?

   Varies by division and client site in 2025. Healthcare sites (Morrison division hospitals) typically require pre-employment drug testing. Some corporate dining and education sites test, others may not for all positions. Random drug testing varies significantly by location. Zero-tolerance at healthcare facilities. If location requires testing you cannot pass, try different Compass division or site—drug testing policies vary dramatically across 55,000+ locations. Many food service workers cannot pass drug tests—some sites accommodate this reality.
   

9. Can felons advance at Compass Group?

   Yes extensively regardless of criminal background in 2025. Many Dining Services Supervisors ($18-28/hr, $37k-$58k) started as dishwashers with felony records and proved reliability over 2-3 years. Career path: Dishwasher ($14-18/hr) → Food Prep ($15-20/hr) → Cook ($16-24/hr) → Lead Cook → Supervisor ($18-28/hr) over 2-5 years. Performance, reliability, food safety knowledge, and leadership determine promotions not background. Compass promotes from within extensively.
   

10. Is Compass Group felon-friendly?

    Yes, Compass Group is generally felon-friendly in 2025 with case-by-case evaluation across most divisions and worksites. Dishwasher ($14-18/hr) highly accessible entry point. Food service high-volume hiring (290,000 employees, constant turnover) creates employment opportunities. Back-of-house kitchen positions most accessible. Apply to 55,000+ locations across divisions. Corporate dining (Eurest) generally most flexible. Healthcare (Morrison) enhanced checks but hires case-by-case. Education (Chartwells K-12) most restrictive. Food service industry broadly accessible for people with records.
    

11. What benefits does Compass Group offer?

    Compass Group offers food service benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, employee meals/meal discounts (free or reduced-price meals during shifts at many locations), flexible scheduling (part-time and full-time options), career advancement opportunities (promote from within culture), food safety and professional training, employee assistance programs, and tuition assistance at some divisions for continuing education.
    

12. How long is Compass Group hiring process?

    Compass Group hiring relatively fast due to high-volume needs in 2025. Entry-level positions (dishwasher, food service worker): online application → phone screen (3-7 days) → in-person interview (1 week) → conditional offer → background check (3-7 days typical, 7-14 days for education/healthcare enhanced checks) → orientation and start (2-3 weeks total typical). Some locations hire same-week for urgent dishwasher and food service worker needs. Food service high turnover accelerates hiring process.

Similar Food Service & Catering Companies

Major Food Service Contractors (Similar Accessibility):

• Aramark (food service, facilities, uniforms—$14-24/hr, VERY accessible)

• Sodexo (food services, facilities management—$14-23/hr, accessible)

• Delaware North (sports venues, parks, hospitality—$14-22/hr)

• Centerplate (now Spectra) (venue food services—$14-21/hr)

Healthcare Food Services:

• Hospital food services (hired directly by hospitals)

• Senior living dining services (assisted living, nursing homes)

• Healthcare cafeteria contractors

Education Dining:

• University food services (hired directly or through contractors)

• K-12 school cafeterias (districts or contractors)

Restaurants & Catering (Also Accessible):

• Chain restaurants (Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Applebee's, Chili's—$12-20/hr + tips)

• Fast food (McDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell—$12-18/hr, VERY accessible)

• Hotels and resorts (kitchen and banquet staff—$14-24/hr)

• Independent catering companies (events, weddings—$15-25/hr)

Why Food Service Industry Highly Accessible:

• Constant high-volume hiring (290,000 employees at Compass alone)

• 50-100% annual turnover creates continuous openings

• Behind-the-scenes kitchen operations (dishwashing, cooking, prep)

• Entry-level positions require no experience

• Case-by-case evaluation standard across industry

• Career advancement from dishwasher to cook to supervisor

• Part-time and flexible scheduling options

• Multiple worksites and divisions to apply

• Essential service (recession-resistant employment)

Final Thoughts

Compass Group offers highly accessible employment for people with felonies through case-by-case evaluation across 55,000+ client locations in North America including corporate dining, healthcare food services, education dining, sports venues, and catering operations. Dishwasher/Utility Worker ($14-18/hour) represents most accessible entry point requiring zero experience, straightforward dishwashing and cleaning work, behind-the-scenes back-of-house kitchen operations, and constant hiring needs due to high food service turnover. Food Service Worker ($14-20/hour) and Food Prep Worker ($15-20/hour) provide alternative accessible pathways. Career advancement realistic and common: Dishwasher → Food Prep → Cook ($16-24/hour) → Dining Services Supervisor ($18-28/hour, $37,000-$58,000/year) over 2-5 years based purely on reliability, performance, and food safety knowledge regardless of criminal background. Apply to multiple Compass divisions (Eurest corporate dining most flexible, Morrison healthcare enhanced checks but still hires case-by-case, Chartwells education K-12 schools most restrictive, Levy sports/entertainment venues) and numerous geographic locations. Non-violent felonies widely accepted especially for back-of-house kitchen positions. Theft faces scrutiny but case-by-case with time. Sex offenses difficult especially education worksites. Massive food service operation with 290,000 employees and constant turnover creates exceptional employment opportunities for people with criminal records.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• Compass Group highly felon-friendly with case-by-case evaluation across most divisions

• Dishwasher $14-18/hour MOST accessible (no experience, back-of-house, constant hiring)

• Food Service Worker $14-20/hour, Cook $16-24/hour (progression path)

• Apply to 55,000+ Compass locations across divisions (Eurest, Morrison, Chartwells, Levy)

• Corporate dining (Eurest) generally most flexible on backgrounds

• Healthcare (Morrison) enhanced checks but hires case-by-case for kitchen positions

• Education (Chartwells K-12) most restrictive—sex offenses disqualify, universities more flexible

• Behind-the-scenes food service kitchen work (dishwashing, prep, cooking)

• Career path: Dishwasher → Cook → Supervisor ($37k-$58k) over 2-5 years

• Non-violent felonies widely accepted, especially back-of-house positions

• Theft faces scrutiny with inventory/cash, violence evaluated case-by-case

• Food handler certification helpful ($10-$20 online, shows commitment)

• High turnover creates constant openings—apply repeatedly if initially unsuccessful

• Drug testing varies by site (healthcare tests, corporate varies, some don't test)

• Food service industry broadly accessible—apply to Aramark, Sodexo, restaurants if Compass doesn't work