Quick Answer

Yes, Panera Bread hires people with felony convictions and is nationally recognized as a second-chance employer. With explicit fair-chance hiring initiatives, partnerships with reentry organizations, and a company culture that values redemption and growth, Panera offers real employment opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

With more than 2,000 bakery-cafés nationwide, starting wages of $12–$16/hour, strong benefits, and clear paths to management, Panera stands out as one of the best options in the fast-casual restaurant industry for job seekers with criminal records.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Panera Bread

3. Does Panera Bread Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Panera Bread

5. Background Check Process

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Panera Bread

Founded in 1987, Panera Bread operates over 2,000 bakery-cafés across the United States and Canada and employs more than 100,000 people. The company is known for its soups, salads, sandwiches, and freshly baked bread, positioning itself as a healthier, community-focused alternative to fast food.

Panera is also recognized for its commitment to second-chance hiring. The company publicly supports fair-chance employment, partners with national reentry organizations, and is frequently recognized by advocacy groups for helping people with criminal records reenter the workforce. Its leadership emphasizes the importance of redemption and believes in hiring motivated people who are ready to rebuild their lives.

Employees with records thrive at Panera because of its training programs, promote-from-within culture, and supportive environment. Whether you start as an associate, baker, or cook, advancement to management is realistic through consistent performance and reliability.

Does Panera Bread Hire People with Felonies?

Yes, Panera Bread hires people with felonies. The company practices ban-the-box hiring (it doesn’t ask about convictions on initial applications) and conducts individualized assessments after background checks.

What Panera Considers

• Nature of offense: Context and severity are reviewed.

• Time since conviction: More time usually helps demonstrate stability.

• Relevance to job duties: Offenses unrelated to café work are often not an issue.

• Rehabilitation evidence: Job history, program completion, or education help.

• Character references: Positive recommendations strengthen your case.

Panera partners with organizations like the Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation, Center for Employment Opportunities, and local reentry programs to connect job seekers with meaningful work.

Available Jobs at Panera Bread

Associate / Team Member

($12–$16/hour)

Assist customers at the counter or drive-thru, prepare food, operate the register, and maintain café cleanliness. Entry-level position with immediate openings and growth potential.

Baker

($13–$18/hour, overnight shifts)

Bake bread, bagels, and pastries overnight. Requires reliability and attention to detail. Overnight differential increases pay.

Line Cook

($12–$17/hour)

Prepare hot menu items like soups and sandwiches. Fast-paced environment ideal for multitaskers.

Prep Cook

($12–$16/hour)

Prepare ingredients and maintain kitchen organization before service. Ideal for those who enjoy structured, behind-the-scenes work.

Dishwasher

($11–$14/hour)

Clean dishes, maintain kitchen sanitation, and support the back-of-house team. Reliable entry-level position.

Catering Delivery Driver

($13–$17/hour plus tips and mileage)

Deliver catering orders to businesses. Requires valid license, insurance, and professional communication.

Shift Supervisor

($14–$19/hour)

Oversee café operations during shifts, handle cash, and train associates. Typically promoted from within after 6–12 months.

Assistant Manager

($35,000–$48,000/year)

Support general manager, oversee operations, and ensure food safety compliance. Requires prior Panera or restaurant experience.

General Manager

($50,000–$75,000/year)

Lead overall café operations, budgeting, and community engagement. Many current GMs started as associates with criminal records.

Background Check Process

Panera conducts a background check only after a conditional job offer. The process usually takes 5–7 business days and includes:

• Criminal history check (typically 7-year lookback)

• Verification of Social Security number

• Sex offender registry review

• Driving record (for delivery positions)

  
  

Panera uses third-party services like Sterling or Accurate Background. If anything appears on your record, hiring managers review the results individually. The goal is to find reasons to say yes, not to reject automatically.

Drug Screening

Drug testing varies by location. Most entry-level positions don’t require testing, while management and driver roles may.

State Compliance

Panera follows ban-the-box and fair-chance laws in all applicable states. Lookback periods are limited to seven years where required by law.

Application Tips

1. Apply Online and In Person. Submit your application at Panerabread.com/careers and visit the café during off-peak hours to introduce yourself.

   
   

2. Emphasize Panera’s Values. Use keywords like warmth, belonging, and growth during interviews.

   
   

3. Show Interest in Baking. Overnight baker roles pay more and are often easier to get.

   
   

4. Be Honest About Your Background. If asked, briefly explain your past and focus on your progress.

   
   

5. Demonstrate Reliability. Emphasize punctuality, teamwork, and consistency.

   
   

6. Apply to Multiple Cafés. Each Panera hires separately—apply to several nearby locations.

   
   

7. Follow Up. Call or visit after a week to check your status and show initiative.

   
   

8. Mention Reentry Partnerships. If you’re connected to a reentry program, note that Panera values those affiliations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Panera reject me because I have a felony?

No. Panera has public second-chance hiring commitments and reviews every application individually.

How far back does the background check go?

Usually seven years, though laws vary by state. Older convictions are rarely disqualifying.

Can I work at Panera while on probation or parole?

Yes. Many Panera employees are on probation or parole, and managers often accommodate scheduling needs.

Will Panera hire me with a theft or drug conviction?

Yes. These are among the most commonly accepted convictions, especially when older or nonviolent.

Does Panera drug test?

Testing varies by location. Most hourly positions do not require pre-employment testing.

Can I move up to management with a felony record?

Absolutely. Panera promotes from within, and many managers have criminal backgrounds.

Should I mention my conviction during the interview?

Only if asked. Panera follows ban-the-box and won’t ask on the initial application.

Why does Panera support second-chance hiring?

Panera believes in redemption, community strength, and the loyalty of employees who’ve overcome adversity.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Chipotle – $13–$18/hour, nationally recognized second-chance employer.

• Starbucks – $13–$18/hour, fair-chance hiring and excellent benefits.

• Corner Bakery Café – $11–$15/hour, similar format and hiring policies.

• Au Bon Pain – $11–$15/hour, progressive hiring practices.

• Potbelly Sandwich Shop – $11–$14/hour, flexible schedules.

• Subway – $10–$14/hour, franchise-based but widely accessible.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Panera Bread stands among the strongest second-chance employers in the restaurant industry. The company’s fair-chance initiatives, reentry partnerships, and individualized assessment process demonstrate a genuine commitment to hiring people with criminal records.

With 2,000+ bakery-cafés, pay starting at $12–$16/hour (higher for bakers), and strong internal promotion opportunities, Panera offers a clear path from entry-level work to management.

Your record doesn’t define your potential—your reliability, effort, and commitment do. Ready to take your next step? Apply today at Panerabread.com/careers.