Quick Answer

Yes, Denny’s hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With over 1,500 locations nationwide, starting wages of $12–$16/ hour plus tips for servers (total earnings around $18–$30/ hour), and 24/7 operations.

Denny’s provides strong opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration. The company’s consistent staffing needs across all shifts make it one of the most accessible major restaurant employers in the United States.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Denny’s

3. Does Denny’s Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Denny’s for People with Records

5. Background Check Process at Denny’s

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Denny’s

Founded in 1953, Denny’s operates more than 1,500 diner-style restaurants across the United States, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, every day. Known as “America’s Diner,” Denny’s employs over 100,000 people nationwide across both corporate and franchised locations.

For people with criminal records, Denny’s offers clear advantages: constant hiring due to 24/7 operations, flexible scheduling, and local hiring decisions that often favor second-chance applicants. Overnight positions are especially accessible, as they are typically harder to fill and face less competition.

Because Denny’s restaurants are operated by individual franchise owners as well as corporate management, hiring policies can vary by location. However, the company’s overall reputation across the restaurant industry is one of accessibility and fairness, especially for applicants who demonstrate reliability, customer service, and a strong work ethic.

Does Denny’s Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Denny’s hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

Denny’s Approach

• Evaluates applicants individually rather than using blanket bans

• Considers rehabilitation, time since conviction, and relevance to job duties

• Allows flexibility among franchise-owned restaurants

• Has a history of hiring individuals with criminal records across the U.S.

What Denny’s Considers

• Nature and severity of the offense

• Time elapsed since conviction

• Relation of the offense to restaurant duties

• Work ethic, reliability, and professionalism

• Availability for night or weekend shifts

• Evidence of rehabilitation and stability

Convictions Often Considered Acceptable

• Older drug possession or property crimes (5–10+ years ago)

• Isolated incidents with rehabilitation evidence

• Non-violent or non-theft-related offenses

Convictions That May Face More Scrutiny

• Sexual offenses involving minors

• Food safety or tampering violations

• Recent violent or theft-related crimes

Available Jobs at Denny’s for People with Records

Server

($12–$16/ hour plus tips; total $18–$30/ hour)

Takes customer orders, serves food, processes payments, and ensures guest satisfaction. Constant hiring across all shifts makes this one of the most accessible positions for applicants with records.

Cook / Line Cook

($13–$18/ hour)

Prepares food, maintains kitchen quality, follows recipes, and ensures cleanliness. Overnight shifts are common and easier to obtain due to staffing shortages.

Dishwasher

($11–$15/ hour)

Cleans dishes, kitchen tools, and maintains sanitation. Entry-level position with minimal customer contact, ideal for individuals seeking a fresh start.

Host / Hostess

($11–$14/ hour)

Greets guests, manages the waitlist, and ensures smooth seating rotation. An accessible front-of-house position that provides a pathway to server roles.

Busser

($10–$13/ hour plus tips)

Clears and resets tables, assists servers, and supports customer service flow. Entry-level position with potential to grow into serving roles.

Prep Cook

($12–$16/ hour)

Prepares ingredients, portions food, and organizes the kitchen for meal service. Often scheduled for early morning or overnight prep shifts.

Bartender (select locations)

($2–$5/ hour plus tips; total $20–$35/ hour)

Prepares drinks and serves bar guests. Usually promoted from within after gaining server experience.

Shift Supervisor

($14–$19/ hour)

Oversees staff, manages operations, and ensures service quality during assigned shifts. Commonly promoted from within the company.

Assistant Manager / General Manager

($18–$34/ hour equivalent)

Leads restaurant operations, staffing, and performance. Many managers started as entry-level workers, including those with prior convictions.

Background Check Process at Denny’s

Timeline

1. Apply online at Dennys.com/careers or in person.

2. Interview with a general manager or shift leader.

3. Receive a conditional job offer.

4. Authorize background screening (5–7 business days).

5. Undergo individualized assessment based on results.

6. Receive final offer and attend training.

What the Check Includes

• County, state, and federal criminal records (typically 7-year lookback)

• Sex offender registry screening

• Employment and identity verification

• Driving record check (if relevant)

Drug Testing

• May be required depending on location (corporate vs. franchise)

• Conducted after conditional offer

• Prescription medications are acceptable with documentation

Application Tips

1. Apply online and in person. Submit your application at Dennys.com/careers and follow up in person during slow hours (2–4 p.m.).

   
   

2. Target accessible roles. Focus on server, cook, or dishwasher positions, which have the highest turnover and accessibility.

   
   

3. Show shift flexibility. Emphasize your ability to work overnight or weekends—these shifts are hardest to fill.

   
   

4. Highlight reliability. Consistent attendance and a good attitude can outweigh past mistakes.

   
   

5. Demonstrate hospitality. Denny’s values friendliness and teamwork more than formal experience.

   
   

6. Be honest if asked. Briefly acknowledge your record, focus on growth, and express enthusiasm to work.

   
   

7. Apply to multiple locations. Different franchise owners have different policies—apply to several nearby restaurants.

   
   

8. Mention overnight availability. Graveyard shifts are less competitive and often filled faster.

   
   

9. Follow up. Check in a week after applying to show genuine interest.

   
   

10. Prepare professionally. Dress neatly and bring a positive attitude to interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Denny’s automatically reject people with felonies?

No. Denny’s evaluates each applicant individually and is known for accessible hiring practices.

Can I work at Denny’s while on probation or parole?

Yes. Many Denny’s employees are on probation or parole, and managers often accommodate related appointments.

Does Denny’s drug test?

Some locations do, depending on franchise policy. Testing usually occurs after a conditional offer.

Are overnight positions easier to get?

Yes. Overnight shifts (10 p.m.–6 a.m.) are the least competitive and often filled quickly.

Can I advance with a record?

Yes. Denny’s regularly promotes from within; many managers started in entry-level roles after incarceration.

How much do Denny’s employees earn?

Most positions pay between $12–$18/ hour, with servers and bartenders earning $18–$30/ hour including tips.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• IHOP – Similar 24-hour diner; case-by-case hiring.

• Waffle House – Very accessible, second-chance friendly.

• Perkins – Family-style chain with flexible hiring.

• Village Inn – Breakfast and lunch focus; evaluates individually.

• Cracker Barrel – Restaurant and retail mix; accessible for entry-level applicants.

Final Thoughts

Denny’s offers one of the most consistent second-chance opportunities in the restaurant industry. With 1,500+ locations, 24/7 operations, and a reputation for accessible hiring, it provides stable jobs and real advancement paths for people with criminal records.

Key takeaways:

• Case-by-case hiring policy

• 24/7 operations = constant staffing demand

• Overnight shifts are most accessible

• Training provided for all entry roles

• Career path from dishwasher to management

• Pay ranges from $12–$18/ hour, up to $30/ hour with tips

Ready to start your application? Visit Dennys.com/careers and apply to multiple nearby restaurants for the best chance of success.