Does Bob Evans do background checks?

Yes, Bob Evans conducts background checks after conditional job offers. Records are evaluated individually.

Does Bob Evans drug test?

Bob Evans may drug test for certain positions. Policies vary by role and location.

How much does Bob Evans pay?

Bob Evans crew members earn $10-$15 per hour. Servers earn tipped wages ($2.13-$5/hour plus tips). Kitchen staff typically earn $12-$16 per hour.

Is Bob Evans franchised?

No, all Bob Evans restaurant locations are corporate-owned with consistent hiring policies.

Does Bob Evans Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

Bob Evans hires some people with records. Corporate-owned family restaurant with individualized assessment.

Bob Evans hires some people with felony records. The family restaurant chain operates over 450 corporate-owned locations primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. Bob Evans conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment. Kitchen, dishwasher, and prep cook positions are most accessible for applicants with records. The company values reliability and experience in the restaurant industry.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Dishwasher	Yes	Yes — individualized	Most accessible role. Back-of-house with minimal customer interaction.
Prep Cook / Line Cook	Sometimes	Yes — individualized	Kitchen experience valued. Back-of-house position.
Server	Sometimes	Yes	Customer-facing with cash/tip handling.
Host / Hostess	Sometimes	Yes	First point of customer contact.
Shift Manager	Rarely	Yes	Management responsibility with comprehensive background review.

Bob Evans Hiring Practices

Bob Evans is a family restaurant chain with over 450 locations in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. All locations are corporate-owned. Bob Evans conducts background checks on applicants but evaluates records individually. The company's family-dining atmosphere means they look for reliable, customer-friendly employees. Kitchen and back-of-house positions are generally more accessible for people with records than customer-facing server positions.

Background Check Process

Bob Evans conducts background checks after extending conditional offers of employment. The company reviews criminal history as part of the hiring process but considers factors like the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and the position applied for. Bob Evans complies with all applicable state and local fair chance hiring laws.

What Disqualifies You

Violent felonies and sex offenses are most likely to disqualify at Bob Evans. Theft convictions may affect eligibility for server and cashier roles where handling money and credit cards is required. Drug possession charges, especially older ones, are less likely to be disqualifying. Kitchen roles are more forgiving than front-of-house positions.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply online through Bob Evans' career page or in person at locations. Target dishwasher and prep cook positions for the best chances with a record. Emphasize any restaurant experience and your availability for early mornings (breakfast is Bob Evans' biggest meal). Be honest about your record during the background check process.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at bobevans.com/careers or in person at any location.
2.Target back-of-house positions (dishwasher, prep cook) for better chances with a record.
3.Emphasize availability for early morning and breakfast shifts — this is Bob Evans' peak time.
4.Highlight any restaurant or food service experience.
5.Be honest about your record during the background check process.
6.Bob Evans is corporate-owned — policies are consistent across all locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bob Evans hire felons?: Bob Evans hires some people with felony records. The company conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment. Kitchen and back-of-house positions are most accessible.
Does Bob Evans do background checks?: Yes, Bob Evans conducts background checks after conditional job offers. Records are evaluated individually.
Does Bob Evans drug test?: Bob Evans may drug test for certain positions. Policies vary by role and location.
How much does Bob Evans pay?: Bob Evans crew members earn $10-$15 per hour. Servers earn tipped wages ($2.13-$5/hour plus tips). Kitchen staff typically earn $12-$16 per hour.
Is Bob Evans franchised?: No, all Bob Evans restaurant locations are corporate-owned with consistent hiring policies.

Take Action — Direct Links

Bob Evans Careers
Official career page.
National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.

Related Resources on This Site

Similar companies

Helpful guides

ProbationAnkle monitor rules & requirements
TransportationHigh-Risk Auto Insurance
Background ChecksWhat shows up on a background check?
Criminal LawHow to find a criminal defense lawyer

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).