Does Buffalo Wild Wings Hire Felons?
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Buffalo Wild Wings (Inspire Brands) is franchise-dependent. Many locations hire people with records for kitchen and server positions.
Buffalo Wild Wings does hire people with felony records at many of its franchise locations. The casual dining sports bar chain operates over 1,200 locations in the United States, with a mix of corporate-owned and franchise restaurants. Now owned by Inspire Brands (which also owns Arby's, Sonic, and Dunkin'), Buffalo Wild Wings locations have varying hiring policies. Many franchise operators hire people with records for kitchen, prep cook, and server positions. The sports bar environment and evening/weekend business model means there are always shifts available that other applicants may avoid. Background check practices vary by location, but kitchen and back-of-house positions tend to have more flexible hiring standards.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line Cook / Kitchen Staff | Yes | Varies by location | Kitchen preparation and cooking. Most accessible position. Back-of-house with limited customer interaction. |
| Server | Case-by-case | Varies by location | Customer-facing with cash and alcohol handling. Tips make this a higher-earning position. |
| Bartender | Case-by-case | Yes — plus state alcohol server permit | Alcohol service requires permits. Some states restrict felons from bartending. |
| Host / Busser | Yes | Varies by location | Customer greeting and table clearing. Limited cash handling. |
| Management | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive check | Full restaurant management with cash and inventory oversight. |
Buffalo Wild Wings Hiring Practices
Buffalo Wild Wings is a casual dining sports bar chain owned by Inspire Brands. The chain operates over 1,200 locations in the US through a mix of corporate-owned and franchise restaurants. As a sports bar, Buffalo Wild Wings has significant business during evenings, weekends, and game days, creating unique staffing patterns. Many locations hire people with records, particularly for kitchen and back-of-house roles. The restaurant industry generally has higher acceptance of workers with criminal backgrounds than other sectors, and casual dining chains like Buffalo Wild Wings are no exception. Franchise operators make their own hiring decisions, and many prioritize willingness to work during peak hours (game nights, weekends) over background.
Background Check and Alcohol Service Requirements
Background check practices vary by location. Kitchen and back-of-house positions may not require formal background checks at all franchise locations, while server and bartender positions are more likely to be screened. Bartender positions require state alcohol server permits, and some states restrict or prohibit people with certain felony convictions from obtaining these permits. Check your state's alcohol serving laws before applying for bartender positions. Server roles that involve alcohol service may also have state-specific restrictions. Kitchen and host positions generally have the fewest regulatory barriers.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply online through Buffalo Wild Wings' careers website or visit locations in person. Kitchen positions are the most accessible starting point. If you are interested in serving (which offers better tips), start in the kitchen and express interest in moving to the front of house after building tenure. Be available for evening and weekend shifts, especially during football season and other major sporting events when business is heaviest. Apply at multiple locations, as different franchise owners have different hiring standards.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at buffalowildwings.com/careers or visit locations in person.
- 2.Target kitchen positions as your entry point — these are the most accessible.
- 3.Be available for evening and weekend shifts, especially during sports seasons.
- 4.If interested in bartending, check your state's alcohol service permit requirements for people with records.
- 5.Apply at multiple locations — franchise owners have different hiring policies.
- 6.Express interest in career growth. BWW promotes from within for shift lead and management roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Buffalo Wild Wings hire felons?
- Many Buffalo Wild Wings locations hire people with felony records, especially for kitchen positions. Policies vary by franchise owner.
- Does Buffalo Wild Wings do background checks?
- Background check practices vary by location. Bartender and management positions are most likely to be screened.
- Can I bartend at Buffalo Wild Wings with a felony?
- It depends on your state's alcohol service permit laws. Some states restrict people with certain felonies from bartending. Kitchen and host positions do not have these restrictions.
- Who owns Buffalo Wild Wings?
- Buffalo Wild Wings is owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby's, Sonic Drive-In, Dunkin', and Jimmy John's.
- Does Buffalo Wild Wings drug test?
- Drug testing policies vary by location. Many locations do not require pre-employment drug testing for entry-level positions.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Buffalo Wild Wings Careers
Search and apply for positions at Buffalo Wild Wings locations.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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