Quick Answer
Yes, Subway hires people with felony convictions. With over 20,000 locations across the United States—more than any other restaurant chain—Subway represents one of the most accessible employment opportunities for people with criminal records. Because nearly all Subway restaurants are independently owned franchises, hiring decisions are made locally by franchise owners who usually prioritize reliability and work ethic over background history.
If you need steady work and are willing to put in the effort, Subway is one of the most open and practical second-chance employers in the fast-food industry.
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About Subway
Founded in 1965, Subway is the world’s largest restaurant chain by number of locations, with more than 20,000 restaurants across the U.S. and hundreds of thousands of employees. Known for customizable submarine sandwiches and salads, Subway operates on a franchise model—meaning about 99% of stores are owned by independent business operators rather than corporate headquarters.
This decentralized structure benefits people with criminal records. Instead of dealing with corporate HR departments and rigid hiring systems, applicants interact directly with local owners who often make quick, practical hiring decisions based on immediate staffing needs and dependability.
For those reentering the workforce, Subway’s simplicity and constant demand for employees make it one of the easiest entry points into employment. The work is straightforward, training is short, and positions open frequently due to turnover—creating ongoing opportunities for new hires.
Does Subway Hire People with Felonies?
Yes. Subway restaurants frequently hire people with felony convictions. Because hiring is determined at the franchise level, policies differ, but many owners are open to giving people second chances if they demonstrate responsibility and enthusiasm for work.
What Franchise Owners Consider
Immediate staffing needs and availability
Reliability and attendance history
Attitude and customer service approach
Work ethic and flexibility
Honesty and willingness to learn
Criminal records are generally less important than dependability and motivation.
What May Be Challenging
Sexual offenses (Subway employs minors)
Food-related crimes (e.g., tampering or poisoning)
Active warrants (must be resolved before hiring)
Multiple recent violent offenses
Even in these cases, outcomes vary by owner—many still offer chances if the applicant appears responsible and motivated.
Available Jobs at Subway
Sandwich Artist / Team Member
($10–$14/hour)
Prepare sandwiches, operate the register, restock ingredients, and maintain cleanliness. Positions are part-time or full-time with flexible schedules. Ideal for individuals with little or no prior experience.
Shift Leader / Supervisor
($11–$15/hour)
Supervise team operations, handle customer issues, and assist with inventory and cash management. Promotion often comes after several months of reliable work.
Assistant Manager
($12–$17/hour)
Support management with scheduling, supply ordering, and food safety compliance. Full-time position typically requiring prior Subway or restaurant experience.
Store Manager
($28,000–$45,000/year)
Oversee all operations including staffing, customer service, and profitability. Most store managers are promoted internally after several years of consistent performance.
Delivery Driver (select locations)
($10–$14/hour plus tips)
Deliver orders and assist with prep work. Requires a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
Background Check Process
Background checks vary greatly by franchise. Many Subway restaurants conduct no formal background check, while others perform minimal screening after a conditional job offer.
What to Expect
Apply online or in person.
Brief interview with the owner or manager.
Conditional offer (often same day).
Background check (if applicable).
Start work within 1–3 days.
When background checks are performed, they typically include a 7-year criminal history review and a sex offender registry search. Processing takes 2–7 business days.
Most franchise owners focus on your availability, attitude, and performance rather than your past. Drug testing is uncommon for entry-level roles and is usually reserved for management positions.
Application Tips
Apply in person to multiple locations. Walk into 20–30 Subway stores during non-rush hours and ask to speak with the manager. Many will hire on the spot.
Emphasize reliability and availability. Owners value workers who can start immediately and cover any shift.
Be honest if asked. If questioned about your record, acknowledge it briefly and focus on your commitment to work.
Show enthusiasm. A positive attitude and willingness to learn outweigh lack of experience.
Bring references. Reentry counselors, parole officers, or past supervisors can help verify your reliability.
Offer to work unpopular shifts. Early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays increase your chances of being hired.
Follow up. Return or call a few days after applying to show continued interest.
Cast a wide net. The more stores you apply to, the greater your odds—each owner makes independent decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Subway automatically reject me because I have a felony?
No. Many Subway locations hire people with felony convictions, and numerous franchise owners don’t conduct background checks.
Do all Subway locations do background checks?
No. Background checks vary by owner—some conduct minimal screening, while others skip it entirely.
Can I work at Subway while on probation or parole?
Yes. Many employees on probation or parole work successfully at Subway, and flexible scheduling accommodates supervision requirements.
Will Subway hire me with a theft conviction?
Yes. Theft convictions are typically not disqualifying, especially for non-cash-handling roles.
Are violent felonies a problem?
Not necessarily. Isolated or older offenses are often overlooked, depending on the owner’s comfort level.
Does Subway drug test?
Rarely. Most entry-level roles do not require drug testing, though some management positions might.
Can I get promoted with a felony record?
Yes. Subway frequently promotes from within, and many managers began as sandwich artists with records.
Should I mention my conviction during the interview?
Only if asked directly. Be brief, honest, and focus on your rehabilitation and desire to work.
Why is Subway so accessible for people with records?
Because of its franchise structure, constant hiring needs, and straightforward job requirements, Subway is one of the easiest employers for people reentering the workforce.
What if one Subway rejects me?
Apply to others. Each franchise is independently owned, so rejection from one has no impact on another.
Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies
Jimmy John’s – 2,800+ locations; $11–$15/hour; franchise-based; accessible for entry-level applicants.
Jersey Mike’s Subs – 2,200+ locations; $11–$15/hour; locally owned; fair chance hiring practices.
Firehouse Subs – 1,200+ locations; $11–$14/hour; many franchises hire people with records.
Panera Bread – 2,000+ locations; $12–$16/hour; known second-chance employer with training programs.
Chipotle – 3,200+ locations; $13–$18/hour; active Second Chance Initiative nationwide.
Qdoba – 750+ locations; $11–$15/hour; franchise-dependent hiring similar to Subway.
Final Thoughts
Subway stands out as one of the best employment options for people with felony convictions in the U.S. With 20,000+ independent franchises, each run by small business owners making their own hiring decisions, you have thousands of chances to find a manager willing to give you an opportunity.
No experience is required, training is fast, and many stores hire the same day. Reliable, motivated applicants with positive attitudes are often welcomed regardless of past mistakes.
If you’re ready to rebuild your career, apply online at https://www.subway.com/en-us/careers or visit multiple nearby Subway locations in person. With persistence and honesty, you can find your next opportunity behind the sandwich counter at Subway.
Does Subway Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
Industry:
Food & Hospitality
Pay:
$15.00 – $35.00/hour
Location:
Alaska
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