Does Arby's Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Arby's Franchise Model and Employment Practices

Arby's, known for its roast beef sandwiches and the tagline 'We Have the Meats,' operates approximately 3,400 restaurants in the United States. The chain is part of Inspire Brands, which was formed when Arby's Restaurant Group acquired Buffalo Wild Wings in 2018 and subsequently added Sonic, Jimmy John's, Dunkin', and Baskin-Robbins. Despite this large corporate structure, the majority of Arby's restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchise operators. Inspire Brands provides brand standards, supply chain management, marketing, and operational support, but each franchise owner makes their own employment decisions, including hiring policies, background check practices, and what types of convictions are acceptable. This franchise structure is typical of the fast-food industry and means there is no single Arby's-wide answer to whether felons are hired. Your experience will depend on the specific franchise operator at the location where you apply.

Background Checks at Arby's

Background check practices at Arby's follow the typical franchise-industry pattern: they vary by operator. Some franchise groups conduct standard criminal background checks on all applicants through third-party providers. Others check only management candidates. Many franchise operators, particularly smaller ones, do not run formal background checks for entry-level crew positions. When background checks are conducted, they typically cover criminal records for the past 7 years at the county and state level, along with a Social Security number trace. In states with ban-the-box legislation, Arby's locations are prohibited from inquiring about criminal history on the initial application. Inspire Brands has corporate-level diversity and inclusion commitments, but the degree to which these translate into specific fair chance hiring practices at the franchise level varies. The practical reality is that fast-food franchise operators are often more focused on filling shifts than on conducting extensive background screening, especially during periods of high turnover or labor shortages.

What Convictions May Be Disqualifying

While specific disqualifying convictions depend on the franchise operator, general patterns are consistent across the fast-food industry. Sex offenses are almost universally disqualifying, as Arby's restaurants serve the general public including families. Violent felonies within the past 5-7 years are more commonly disqualifying at locations that run background checks, though the weight given to these convictions varies by operator. Theft and fraud convictions may affect eligibility for cash-handling positions. Drug possession convictions are rarely disqualifying for entry-level positions, especially if the conviction is several years old. Drug trafficking convictions are assessed more seriously. Active warrants and pending serious charges will prevent hiring. Arson convictions may be flagged due to the restaurant kitchen environment. For most non-violent felonies that are more than 3 years old, many Arby's franchise locations will be willing to hire you, particularly if you present well in the interview and demonstrate reliability.

Inspire Brands and Career Development

Arby's parent company, Inspire Brands, operates over 32,000 restaurants worldwide across its portfolio of brands. The company has invested in employee development programs, including the Inspire Education platform, which provides access to educational opportunities for restaurant team members, including GED preparation, high school completion, and college degree programs. These educational benefits, when available at franchise locations, can be particularly valuable for people with records who are working to build a new foundation for their careers. The fast-food industry generally offers one of the clearest career advancement paths available without requiring a college degree — from crew member to shift manager to assistant manager to general manager — and Arby's is no exception. Many Arby's general managers earn $45,000-$60,000 or more annually, and the path from entry-level to that salary is achievable through demonstrated performance, not credentials or background checks.

How to Get Hired at Arby's with a Record

The most effective approach to getting hired at Arby's with a felony is to combine online applications with in-person follow-up. Apply through the Arby's careers website, and then visit the restaurant during a slow period — mid-morning (after the breakfast rush if the location serves breakfast) or mid-afternoon are ideal times. Ask to speak with the manager about available positions. Dress neatly and be ready for an on-the-spot interview at some locations. Emphasize your reliability, your willingness to work any shift (including evenings, weekends, and holidays), and your interest in learning the full operation. Arby's menu involves more specialized preparation than some fast-food chains (roast beef slicing, frying, sandwich assembly), so showing enthusiasm for learning kitchen skills is valuable. Apply at multiple Arby's locations owned by different franchise groups. If one declines you, another operated by a different franchisee may hire you without issue. Be honest but concise about your background, and focus on your commitment to being a dependable, hard-working team member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arby's hire felons?

Many Arby's locations do hire people with felony records. Since most Arby's restaurants are franchise-owned, policies vary by franchise operator. Crew member and kitchen positions are generally the most accessible for people with records. Apply at multiple locations for the best results.

Does Arby's do background checks?

It depends on the franchise operator. Some Arby's franchise owners conduct background checks for all positions, some only for management, and many do not run formal checks for entry-level crew positions. Practices vary significantly by franchise owner.

How far back does Arby's background check go?

When conducted, background checks at Arby's typically cover 7 years of criminal history. State laws limiting lookback periods apply. Many franchise operators do not conduct formal background checks for entry-level positions.

Can I work at Arby's with a drug felony?

In most cases, yes. Drug possession felonies are generally not disqualifying for entry-level Arby's positions, especially if the conviction is several years old. Drug trafficking convictions may receive more scrutiny at locations that conduct background checks.

Does Arby's drug test?

Most Arby's franchise locations do not drug test for crew-level positions. Drug testing policies are set by individual franchise operators. Post-accident testing may occur at some locations.

How much does Arby's pay?

Arby's crew member pay typically ranges from $11 to $15 per hour as of 2026, depending on location and local minimum wage laws. Shift managers and assistant managers earn more. Benefits vary by franchise operator but may include meal discounts, flexible scheduling, and access to Inspire Brands' education programs.

What other restaurants are owned by the same company as Arby's?

Arby's is part of Inspire Brands, which also owns Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's, and Baskin-Robbins. If you have trouble getting hired at Arby's, consider applying at these other brands — they are separate businesses with separate franchise operators, so your experience may differ.

Can I advance to management at Arby's with a felony?

Yes. Arby's has a promote-from-within culture, and many general managers started as crew members. Demonstrating reliability, strong work performance, and leadership qualities can lead to shift manager, assistant manager, and general manager roles over time. Your performance record at Arby's will carry more weight than your criminal record.