Does Captain D's do background checks?

Background check policies vary by location. Many franchise locations do not conduct formal background checks for entry-level positions. Corporate-owned locations may run basic checks.

Does Captain D's drug test?

Most Captain D's locations do not drug test for crew positions. Policies vary by franchise owner and location.

How much does Captain D's pay?

Captain D's crew members typically earn $8-$12 per hour depending on location. Shift leaders and management earn more based on experience and franchise.

Where are Captain D's locations?

Captain D's operates over 530 locations, primarily in the Southeastern United States including Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and surrounding states.

Does Captain D's Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Yes

Captain D's is a franchise-operated seafood chain known for being felon-friendly, with many locations hiring people with records.

Yes, Captain D's hires people with felony records at many locations. This Southern fast-casual seafood chain is primarily franchise-operated, and many franchise owners are willing to hire people with criminal backgrounds. Captain D's is concentrated in the Southeast US and operates in communities where second-chance hiring is common. Most franchise locations prioritize reliability and work ethic over background history for entry-level crew positions.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Crew Member	Yes	Varies by franchise	Most accessible entry point. High turnover creates frequent openings.
Cook / Kitchen Staff	Yes	Varies by franchise	Seafood preparation and frying. Kitchen roles are most felon-friendly.
Cashier	Yes	Varies by franchise	Customer-facing role with cash handling responsibilities.
Shift Leader	Sometimes	Usually yes	Typically promoted from within based on performance.
Assistant Manager	Sometimes	Yes	Management responsibility means more scrutiny of background.

Captain D's Hiring Practices

Captain D's is a fast-casual seafood restaurant chain with over 530 locations, primarily in the Southeastern United States. The chain is a mix of corporate-owned and franchise-operated locations. Captain D's has a reputation in the second-chance community as a felon-friendly employer, particularly at franchise locations where owners have flexibility in hiring decisions. The chain's focus on affordable seafood in working-class communities means many franchise owners understand the value of giving people second chances.

Background Check Process

Background check policies at Captain D's vary between corporate and franchise locations. Many franchise locations do not conduct formal background checks for crew positions. Corporate-owned locations may run basic background checks but typically use individualized assessment. The hiring process is generally straightforward — apply online or in person, interview with the manager, and receive a decision quickly.

What Disqualifies You

At locations that check backgrounds, sex offenses are typically disqualifying. Violent felonies may be a concern for customer-facing positions but are often accepted for kitchen roles. Theft convictions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Drug offenses, especially older ones, are generally not disqualifying. Each franchise owner makes their own determination.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply in person during slow hours (2-4 PM) to speak with managers directly. Captain D's values reliability — emphasize your commitment to showing up on time. Mention any food service or kitchen experience. Apply to multiple locations if one turns you down. Evening and weekend availability makes you more attractive as a candidate.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply in person at the restaurant during off-peak hours for the best chance of speaking with a manager.
2.Emphasize reliability and willingness to work all shifts including evenings and weekends.
3.Prior food service experience is helpful but not required for crew roles.
4.Apply to multiple Captain D's locations — franchise owners have different policies.
5.Be honest about your record if asked directly, but don't volunteer unnecessary details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Captain D's hire felons?: Yes, many Captain D's locations hire people with felony records. The chain is partly franchise-operated, and many franchise owners give second chances for crew and kitchen positions.
Does Captain D's do background checks?: Background check policies vary by location. Many franchise locations do not conduct formal background checks for entry-level positions. Corporate-owned locations may run basic checks.
Does Captain D's drug test?: Most Captain D's locations do not drug test for crew positions. Policies vary by franchise owner and location.
How much does Captain D's pay?: Captain D's crew members typically earn $8-$12 per hour depending on location. Shift leaders and management earn more based on experience and franchise.
Where are Captain D's locations?: Captain D's operates over 530 locations, primarily in the Southeastern United States including Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and surrounding states.

Take Action — Direct Links

Captain D's Careers
Official career page with current openings.
National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.

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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).