Are you looking to get into the fast-food industry, but perhaps worried that a previous felony might make things complicated?
While it’s true that many companies and restaurants do not hire felons for fear of crimes happening again, unfavorable workplace situations, and more, there are still many restaurants that will give felons a second chance.
With so many options available, perhaps you tried that sweet, sweet Chick-fil-A sauce and decided this is what you want to do. (The real crime here is how good it is) Let’s find out!
Chick-fil-A has been around since 1946, with over 2700 locations across almost all U.S. states. The franchise skyrocketed in popularity due to its amazing chicken sandwiches, which many Americans put at the top of their list as their no. 1 fried chicken (Sorry, KFC).
Obviously, because it’s a chain with so many branches, employees, and bells and whistles, you can expect to find a bunch of different job opportunities such as team member, food prep worker, delivery boy, and more.
Chick-fil-A’s workers will usually be younger people such as students, fresh graduates, and those trying their luck out in the world before moving up the ranks.
However, that does not mean they only hire youngsters. Age is rarely a requirement for fast food or retail chains.
Does Chick-fil-A Hire Felons in 2024?
Can A Felon Work At Chick-fil-A? It’s not that simple but the good news is yes! Many people have reported that Chick-fil-A has hired felons in the past. Now, does that mean that it’s a 100% guarantee that they will hire you if you have a previous felony? Well, no.
Because of the vast number of branches, these things vary according to the managers and it’s never a guarantee, but it’s still a very high chance.
Obviously, the nature of the felony itself could play a part in their decision as at the end of the day, it’s up to them since they don’t have a strict ‘no felons’ policy.
It’s an even better chance if the felony was more than seven years ago, as that is the usual background check duration when companies will accept a felon.
While there are some initiatives for hiring felons such as the Ban The Box campaign and The Fair Chance Business Pledge, Chick-fil-A is unfortunately not a supporter of either, but that doesn’t shut the door on your chances.
What Is It Like To Work At Chick-fil-A?
Like any fast-food job, the work is hectic and exhausting, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. The fast-food world is not for everyone, and because Chick-fil-A is usually so crowded, you’ll have to be on your feet and at full power the whole time.
The environment there is very friendly, so you’re likely to be making friends fast. One of their wholesome special traits is replying with “My pleasure” to customers, which is polite and unique.
Like most fast-food places, you can expect to get a good discount on food, or even a free meal if you’re lucky. This means you can indulge in their amazing chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, nuggets, and more. Really, what more could you want?
The answer is a day off. Chick-fil-A is famous for giving their employees Sundays off, so you get a day to unwind and perhaps do something fun before going back to the hectic land of chicken.
Perhaps the most impressive perk is that there is a chance you can get a scholarship to study. Chick-fil-A has a history of putting its employees through college with free scholarships. So, you can start with Chick-fil-A and find yourself way up the corporate ladder after a good education.
This all sounds great but the one downside, as we’ve mentioned, is the grueling work and the tough hours. Because Chick-fil-A prefers to have so many items freshly made or hand-made, it means extra work for the employees.
For example, you can expect to bread the chicken pieces yourself before frying. With a busy day or a lunch rush, you’ll have to be doing so many different things at the same time. But hey, it’s still a better opportunity than most, since they’re hiring felons.
See This Too: Does Chick-fil-A Do A Drug Test?
What Is The Chick-fil-A Hiring Process?
Is it easy to get hired at Chick-fil-A? Pretty much. It’s not much different from applying to any fast-food chain, but they are a little bit more selective with their hiring. You can either call them directly, show up at a location and ask if they have a vacancy, or preferably, apply online on their website.
When going through the application process, make sure you give as many details as you can. The more thorough and impressive your resume is, the better chance you have.
Once your application is full and they call you back, you can expect one or two interviews or meetings. In the interview process, you can expect to be asked about your previous work experience, skills, qualifications, ambitions, and more.
Most importantly, you have to be upfront and honest about your felony from the get-go. Don’t lie about it or neglect to mention it, because it will greatly reduce your chances once they do find out.
Another important factor for Chick-fil-A is presentability. Because they are so selective, you have to be impressive: Dress well, speak professionally, and take this as seriously as possible.
Can Felons Own Chick-fil-A?
While there is no public information about owning a Chick-fil-A franchise with a previous felony, there is no law by which felons can’t own a franchise.
Obviously, it would be better if seven years had passed since the time of the felony. While hiring managers at CFA is most likely more intensive, with more interviews and higher standards, it’s still worth it to give it a shot.
Takeaway
All in all, Chick-fil-A is one of the better franchises and work environments to find yourself in. Because they do not discriminate against felons, you have a good chance of landing a job there and restarting your professional life. Just make sure you take this as seriously as you would any job, and your chances are high!