Quick Answer

Yes, IHOP (International House of Pancakes) hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With over 1,600 locations nationwide—many operating 24 hours—starting wages range from ($12–$16/ hour) plus tips for servers (total earnings $18–$32/ hour).

IHOP’s franchise-based structure allows individual owners to make hiring decisions, creating flexibility for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

About IHOP

Founded in 1958, IHOP operates more than 1,600 restaurants across the United States, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an all-day breakfast focus. Around 99% of IHOP restaurants are franchise-owned, giving local owners discretion in hiring and operations. The company employs over 90,000 people and provides stable, customer-oriented restaurant work environments.

Because most locations are independently owned, IHOP franchisees decide who to hire. This gives applicants with records a better chance of consideration compared to strictly corporate-run restaurants. The chain’s breakfast-driven business model creates unique scheduling flexibility, with busy early mornings and quieter afternoons. For those seeking stability, teamwork, and consistent tips, IHOP represents one of the more accessible national restaurant employers.

Does IHOP Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. IHOP locations hire people with felony convictions depending on the franchise owner’s discretion and local hiring needs. There is no company-wide policy prohibiting employment for those with records.

IHOP’s Approach

• 99% of restaurants are franchise-owned

• Hiring decisions made locally, not by corporate

• Each case evaluated individually

• Restaurant industry known for second-chance hiring

• Flexibility varies by location and owner

• Many employees with records currently work at IHOP

What Franchisees Consider

• Nature of conviction and time since it occurred

• Shift availability (especially early morning)

• Reliability and attendance

• Relation of offense to restaurant duties

• Demonstrated rehabilitation and professionalism

Convictions Often Accepted

• Older drug or property crimes

• Isolated assault or fighting incidents

• DUI or nonviolent offenses

• Probation or parole with positive progress

Convictions Facing More Scrutiny

• Sexual offenses involving minors

• Food tampering or health-related crimes

• Recent violent offenses

• Active or unresolved legal issues

Available Jobs at IHOP for People with Records

Server

($2–$5/ hour base + tips; total $18–$32/ hour)

Take orders, serve food, handle payments, and ensure guest satisfaction. Accessible due to constant hiring needs, flexible shifts, and strong tip potential.

Cook

($13–$18/ hour)

Prepare IHOP menu items, maintain food quality, and follow food safety standards. Ideal for those preferring back-of-house work with on-the-job training.

Dishwasher

($11–$15/ hour)

Clean dishes, maintain kitchen sanitation, and support cooks. Entry-level and suitable for applicants with limited experience or wanting minimal interaction.

Host / Hostess

($11–$14/ hour)

Greet guests, manage the waitlist, and seat customers. Good for applicants with friendly personalities and basic organization skills.

Busser

($10–$13/ hour plus tip-out; total $13–$18/ hour)

Clear tables, reset dining areas, and support servers. A stepping stone toward server roles.

Shift Leader

($14–$19/ hour)

Supervise restaurant operations during shifts, assist staff, and ensure quality service. Often promoted internally from server or cook roles.

Assistant Manager / General Manager

($18–$33/ hour equivalent)

Oversee restaurant operations, manage employees, handle inventory, and ensure profitability. Many franchisees promote from within, offering long-term career growth.

Career Progression

• 0–6 months: Entry-level roles ($12–$16/ hour)

• 6–18 months: Lead positions ($16–$22/ hour)

• 1–3 years: Shift Leader ($14–$19/ hour)

• 2–4 years: Assistant Manager ($18–$24/ hour)

• 3–5 years: General Manager ($23–$33/ hour)

Background Check Process

Timeline

1. Apply at IHOP.com/careers or in-person

2. Interview with the general manager or franchise owner

3. Conditional offer

4. Background check authorization

5. Screening (typically 5–7 days)

6. Franchisee decision

7. Orientation and training

What’s Checked

• Criminal history (usually 7-year lookback)

• Sex offender registry

• Social Security verification

• Occasionally employment history

Drug Testing

• Varies by franchisee

• Typically conducted only after a conditional offer

• Not required at all locations

Application Tips

1. Apply to multiple locations. Each IHOP is franchise-owned, so hiring policies differ between restaurants.

   
   

2. Target early morning shifts. Breakfast rush positions (5am–1pm) are hardest to fill, increasing your chances.

   
   

3. Show interest in breakfast culture. Mention that you’re a morning person or enjoy IHOP’s breakfast menu.

   
   

4. Apply in person. Visit during slow hours (2–4pm), dress neatly, and ask for the general manager.

   
   

5. Highlight any restaurant experience. Even basic food service or kitchen experience helps demonstrate reliability.

   
   

6. Be honest if asked. Briefly acknowledge your past, then emphasize your dependability and strong work ethic.

   
   

7. Follow up professionally. Check back a few days after applying to show continued interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IHOP automatically reject applicants with felonies?

No. Most IHOPs are franchise-owned, and individual franchisees evaluate applicants case-by-case.

Are early morning positions easier to get?

Yes. Shifts starting around 5am are often hardest to fill and can provide faster hiring opportunities.

Can I work while on probation?

Yes, if approved by your probation officer. Many IHOP employees work successfully while on probation or parole.

Will theft convictions prevent hiring?

Not automatically. Older theft-related convictions may be acceptable, especially for back-of-house roles.

Does IHOP drug test?

It depends on the franchisee. Some do, but many locations do not.

Can I advance with a record?

Yes. IHOP regularly promotes from within based on reliability and performance.

Do servers earn more than cooks?

Usually yes. Servers typically earn $18–$32/ hour including tips, compared to $13–$18/ hour for cooks.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Denny’s – Case-by-case hiring; 24-hour operations

• Waffle House – Very accessible; strong second-chance record

• Perkins – Breakfast focus; case-by-case hiring

• Village Inn – Family dining; flexible hiring

• Cracker Barrel – Breakfast/lunch focus; accessible to reentry workers

Final Thoughts

IHOP provides strong opportunities for individuals with criminal records through its franchise-based flexibility and all-day breakfast model. With over 1,600 locations, multiple entry-level positions, and advancement potential up to management ($18–$33/ hour equivalent), IHOP represents a welcoming option for those seeking a stable path forward.

Ready to apply? Visit IHOP.com/careers or stop by your nearest restaurant to meet the hiring manager in person.