Quick Answer

Yes, Olive Garden hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With over 900 Italian-themed restaurants nationwide under Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden offers a welcoming, family-style dining atmosphere and comprehensive training.

Starting pay ranges from ($13–$17/ hour) for hourly staff, while servers typically earn ($20–$35/ hour including tips). Advancement opportunities include management roles earning ($26–$38/ hour) equivalent.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Olive Garden

3. Olive Garden Hiring Policy

4. Available Jobs

5. Application Tips

6. Background Check

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Olive Garden

Founded in 1982, Olive Garden operates more than 900 casual dining restaurants across the United States and employs over 95,000 people. As part of Darden Restaurants (which also owns LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s, and Yard House), Olive Garden emphasizes warmth, hospitality, and Italian-American cuisine served in a “When you’re here, you’re family” atmosphere.

For job seekers with a criminal record, Olive Garden stands out for its:

• Case-by-case evaluation process.

• Large corporate structure ensuring consistency in hiring.

• Strong focus on training and internal promotion.

• Hospitality-centered work environment.

• Nationwide accessibility through hundreds of locations.

Olive Garden Hiring Policy

Olive Garden evaluates each applicant individually rather than applying a blanket rejection policy. Local managers consider the type of conviction, time passed, and the position applied for.

What They Consider:

• Nature of the conviction and time since it occurred.

• Relevance to restaurant work or customer safety.

• Evidence of rehabilitation and work stability.

• Type of position (front-of-house vs. kitchen).

More Accessible Convictions: Older drug, theft, or nonviolent offenses.

Restricted Convictions: Active violent, sexual, or food safety-related offenses.

Available Jobs

Server

($13–$17/ hour base + tips, total $20–$35/ hour)

Takes food and drink orders, serves meals, and ensures guest satisfaction.

Host/Hostess

($12–$15/ hour)

Greets guests, manages the waitlist, and maintains seating flow.

Busser

($14–$20/ hour including tip-out)

Clears and resets tables, refills beverages, and supports the service team.

Line Cook

($14–$19/ hour)

Prepares entrees, pasta, and grilled dishes while maintaining kitchen quality.

Prep Cook

($13–$17/ hour)

Prepares ingredients, sauces, and soups ahead of meal service.

Dishwasher

($12–$16/ hour)

Cleans dishes and cookware, maintains kitchen sanitation, and supports cooks.

Bartender

($13–$17/ hour base + tips, total $25–$38/ hour)

Prepares beverages and serves bar guests with Italian wine and cocktail knowledge.

To-Go Specialist

($12–$16/ hour)

Handles phone and online orders, ensures order accuracy, and manages carryout.

Shift Manager

($17–$22/ hour equivalent)

Supervises staff, manages operations during shifts, and supports guest service.

General Manager

($26–$38/ hour equivalent)

Oversees full restaurant operations, staffing, and performance goals.

Background Check

Olive Garden performs a 7-year background check covering county, state, and federal records. Each case is reviewed individually. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days, and drug testing may occur after a conditional offer.

Application Tips

1. Apply to multiple locations. Each Olive Garden has its own hiring manager—apply to 5–10 nearby restaurants to increase your chances.

   
   

2. Target kitchen or support roles first. Positions like Dishwasher or Prep Cook often have fewer hiring barriers.

   
   

3. Show genuine hospitality. Emphasize warmth and teamwork—Olive Garden values its “family” atmosphere.

   
   

4. Be enthusiastic about Italian food. Mention interest in Italian cuisine or learning culinary skills.

   
   

5. Be honest about your record if asked. Keep explanations brief, positive, and focused on your progress.

   
   

6. Visit in-person after applying. Dress neatly and ask to speak to the general manager during off-peak hours (2–4 p.m.).

   
   

7. Highlight reliability. Attendance, teamwork, and customer service are highly valued.

   
   

8. Stay flexible with scheduling. Evening and weekend availability boosts your odds.

   
   

9. Mention Darden’s growth opportunities. Olive Garden promotes internally; performance matters more than background.

   
   

10. Follow up professionally. If you don’t hear back within a week, call or visit to express continued interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Olive Garden hire felons?

Yes. Olive Garden and its parent company Darden Restaurants evaluate all applicants on a case-by-case basis.

What is the easiest job to get with a felony?

Dishwasher, Busser, or Prep Cook roles are the most accessible because they involve less customer interaction.

Does Olive Garden drug test?

Policies vary by location. Some restaurants test after a conditional job offer.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes, if approved by your probation officer. Olive Garden can often accommodate scheduling needs.

Can I advance to management with a felony?

Yes. Many employees with records have advanced from entry-level to management through strong performance.

How much do Olive Garden servers make?

Servers typically earn ($20–$35/ hour including tips), depending on location and shift.

What’s the Darden Culinary Institute of Tuscany?

A training opportunity in Italy for top-performing employees—open to all, regardless of background.

Will theft or drug convictions disqualify me?

Not necessarily. Older or nonviolent convictions are often accepted with evidence of rehabilitation.

Should I apply to other Darden brands too?

Yes. LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s, and Yard House follow the same case-by-case hiring policies.

Is Olive Garden more accessible than fine dining?

Yes. Casual dining restaurants like Olive Garden are more open to applicants with records than high-end venues.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• LongHorn Steakhouse – 560+ locations; steakhouse; hires case-by-case.

• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – 170+ locations; comfort food; promotes internally.

• Yard House – 80+ locations; upscale casual; case-by-case hiring.

• Carrabba’s Italian Grill – 200+ locations; Italian cuisine; similar accessibility.

• Maggiano’s Little Italy – 50+ locations; Italian dining; evaluates case-by-case.

• Red Lobster – 700+ locations; seafood; hires based on circumstances.

• Outback Steakhouse – 700+ locations; steakhouse; open to second-chance applicants.

• Chili’s – 1,600+ locations; casual dining; considers rehabilitation.

• Applebee’s – 1,600+ locations; neighborhood grill; hires case-by-case.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden offers strong second-chance employment opportunities for individuals with felony convictions. With 900+ restaurants nationwide, starting pay of $13–$17/ hour, and management advancement up to $38/ hour, the company values hospitality and reliability over background.

If you enjoy teamwork, food service, and creating a welcoming experience for guests, Olive Garden provides genuine career growth. Many employees with records have risen from dishwashers to managers earning $55,000–$80,000 per year.

To begin your application, visit OliveGarden.com/careers and apply to several nearby locations. Your dedication and hospitality can help you build a rewarding long-term career.