Quick Answer

Yes, Waffle House hires people with felony convictions and is widely recognized as one of the most accessible employers for people with criminal records.

With a reputation built over decades for giving second chances, 1,900+ locations across 25 states, 24-hour operations that create constant staffing needs, and a practical approach that values reliability over background checks, Waffle House represents one of the best immediate employment options for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration. If you need a job quickly and are willing to work hard, Waffle House will likely hire you.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Waffle House

3. Does Waffle House Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Waffle House

5. Application Tips

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

8. Final Thoughts

About Waffle House

Founded in 1955, Waffle House operates nearly 1,900 restaurants across 25 states, primarily in the South and Southeast. The chain is famous for its 24-hour service, all-day breakfast, scattered and smothered hash browns, and commitment to staying open through hurricanes and natural disasters.

For job seekers with criminal records, Waffle House has earned a legendary reputation for accessibility. The company doesn’t run formal second-chance hiring programs or issue public statements about fair-chance employment—it simply hires people who need work and are willing to show up. Because many locations hire immediately and emphasize work ethic over background, people with serious felony convictions, including those recently released, have found steady employment here for decades.

The combination of 24-hour operations, constant staffing shortages, and local manager autonomy makes Waffle House an ideal option for those needing quick, judgment-free employment. The company’s culture values consistency, effort, and attitude far more than a clean background check.

Does Waffle House Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Waffle House hires people with felonies—and does so regularly. While there is no formal “second-chance” policy, its open hiring culture makes it one of the most felon-friendly employers in the country.

What Managers Usually Consider

• Can you start immediately?

• Will you show up reliably, especially for overnight or weekend shifts?

• Can you handle the fast-paced, customer-facing environment?

• Do you have a positive attitude and willingness to work hard?

  
  

How Backgrounds Are Handled

Most locations don’t run extensive background checks. When they do, results rarely prevent hiring. Individual managers decide who to hire based on immediate staffing needs, not background records.

Criminal records of nearly every type—including drug, theft, and even violent convictions—are often accepted. The only exceptions tend to be active warrants, unresolved charges, or severe sexual offenses involving ongoing restrictions.

Available Jobs at Waffle House

Server / Grill Operator

($3–$5/hour base + tips; typically $12–$20/hour total)

Take orders, serve food, operate the grill, handle payments, and maintain the restaurant. Combined role at many locations with immediate training and hiring.

Grill Operator / Cook

($10–$14/hour)

Work the flat-top grill, prepare signature menu items, and maintain kitchen flow. Training provided; high demand for this essential position.

Server

($3–$5/hour base + tips; typically $10–$18/hour)

Take customer orders, serve meals, and maintain table service in fast-paced settings. Overnight shifts often pay the best due to higher tips.

Utility / Dishwasher

($10–$13/hour)

Operate dish machines, clean equipment, and restock supplies. Minimal customer contact; reliable entry-level role.

Shift Manager / Unit Manager

($30,000–$45,000/year)

Oversee restaurant operations during assigned shifts. Typically promoted from within after 1–3 years of proven reliability.

District / Division Manager

($50,000–$80,000/year)

Supervise multiple restaurant locations, oversee hiring, and manage performance. Nearly all district managers started in hourly roles.

Typical Career Progression

• 0–12 months: Server / Grill Operator ($12–$20/hour)

• 1–3 years: Shift Manager ($30,000–$40,000/year)

• 2–5 years: Unit Manager ($35,000–$45,000/year)

• 5–10 years: District Manager ($50,000–$80,000/year)

  
  

Waffle House promotes almost exclusively from within, rewarding loyalty and performance rather than clean backgrounds.

Background Check Process

Background checks vary widely by location. Some managers skip them entirely, others conduct minimal checks (often limited to the sex offender registry), and a few complete standard criminal screenings.

Typical Process

1. Walk in and ask to apply.

2. Fill out a short paper application.

3. Speak briefly with the manager.

4. Often receive a same-day or next-day start date.

5. Background check (if done) completed after hiring.

   
   

Processing and Screening

• Many locations don’t perform background checks at all.

• If conducted, checks typically review the past seven years.

• Results rarely impact hiring decisions.

• Drug testing is uncommon except for management positions.

  
  

Most hiring managers focus on filling open shifts quickly. They prefer to see how well you work for a few days rather than judge based on your criminal record.

Application Tips

1. Apply In Person. Walk into the restaurant and ask to speak with a manager—most hiring happens face-to-face.

   
   

2. Be Available Immediately. Say you can start tonight if needed; this matters more than experience.

   
   

3. Offer to Work Hard Shifts. Overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts are hardest to fill and easiest to get hired for.

   
   

4. Be Honest if Asked. If your record comes up, admit it briefly, take responsibility, and focus on your desire to work.

   
   

5. Show Reliability. Managers value employees who show up on time every shift.

   
   

6. Dress Neatly. Clean jeans and a simple shirt are fine—showing effort counts.

   
   

7. Apply to Multiple Locations. Each Waffle House has its own manager and hiring needs.

   
   

8. Be Persistent. If one manager says no, visit another location tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Waffle House reject me because I have a felony?

No. Waffle House is known for hiring people with felonies. Your work ethic matters far more than your record.

Do all locations run background checks?

No. Many locations skip checks entirely, and those that do often still hire people with convictions.

Can I work at Waffle House with a violent felony?

Yes. Violent felonies, even recent ones, are rarely disqualifying if you show reliability and motivation.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes. Many employees at Waffle House are on probation or parole, and managers typically accommodate schedules for check-ins.

Does Waffle House drug test?

Most locations do not drug test. Some management positions may, but hourly jobs generally don’t.

How quickly can I start working?

Often the same day or the next day. Waffle House has one of the fastest hiring processes in the restaurant industry.

How much can I make?

Servers earn $12–$20/hour with tips; cooks make $10–$14/hour. Overtime and overnight shifts can increase income.

Can I move up with a felony?

Yes. Waffle House promotes from within, and many current managers have felony records.

Should I bring up my conviction?

Only if asked directly. Keep your response short and positive: “I made mistakes in the past, but I’m ready to work.”

Why does Waffle House hire so many people with records?

Because the company values reliability and availability above all else. With 24-hour operations, it prioritizes filling shifts quickly.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Denny’s – $10–$14/hour + tips; 24-hour diner; franchise-based but generally accessible.

• IHOP – $10–$14/hour + tips; nationwide; franchise-dependent but fair to applicants with records.

• Huddle House – $10–$13/hour + tips; smaller chain similar to Waffle House.

• Steak ’n Shake – $10–$14/hour + tips; diner-style; often open 24 hours.

• McDonald’s – $11–$15/hour; flexible schedules and frequent openings.

• Taco Bell – $11–$15/hour; late-night hours; franchise flexibility.

• Circle K – $11–$15/hour; 24-hour convenience stores with high hiring demand.

Final Thoughts

Waffle House stands as one of America’s most open and realistic employers for people with felony convictions. It doesn’t make public promises—it simply hires those who show up ready to work. For anyone rebuilding life after incarceration, it offers something rare: a genuine, immediate chance.

With over 1,900 locations, constant hiring needs, and a long history of valuing effort over background checks, Waffle House remains a trusted first step toward stability and independence. Many employees who started flipping waffles have advanced to management or district leadership.

If you’re ready to work hard, show up on time, and take on the overnight or weekend shifts others avoid, Waffle House will likely give you that second chance. Walk into your nearest location today or visit wafflehouse.com to learn more.