Does Cracker Barrel Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Cracker Barrel's Corporate Hiring Approach

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a publicly traded company that owns and operates all of its locations directly — there are no franchisees. This means hiring policies are set at the corporate level and applied consistently across all approximately 660 locations in 44 states. The company conducts background checks through a third-party screening provider on all new hires. However, Cracker Barrel uses an individualized assessment process that aligns with EEOC guidance, considering the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense or completion of sentence, and the nature of the job being sought. The company's corporate HR department provides guidelines to hiring managers, but individual store managers have some discretion in hiring decisions, particularly for hourly positions.

Background Check Process at Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel's background check is initiated after a conditional offer of employment is made. The standard check includes a 7-year criminal history search at the county and state level, a Social Security number trace, and a national sex offender registry search. For management positions, the check may also include employment history verification and education verification. The process typically takes 3-7 business days. If the background check reveals a criminal record, Cracker Barrel follows FCRA procedures — you will receive a pre-adverse action notice giving you the opportunity to dispute inaccuracies or provide context before a final hiring decision is made. Drug testing policies vary by state and position; some locations conduct pre-employment drug screens while others do not.

What Could Disqualify You at Cracker Barrel

While Cracker Barrel evaluates each applicant individually, certain patterns tend to be more disqualifying. Violent felonies within the past 7 years present the most significant barrier, particularly for customer-facing roles. Sex offenses are generally disqualifying across all positions. Theft and fraud convictions are scrutinized more heavily for positions that involve cash handling (servers) or merchandise handling (retail associates). Drug possession charges that are several years old are typically less of a barrier for kitchen roles. Cracker Barrel's brand as a family-friendly, wholesome dining experience means they may be more cautious about certain types of offenses compared to other restaurant chains. However, the company's adherence to individualized assessment means no single type of felony is an automatic disqualifier for all positions.

The Dual Restaurant-Retail Model

Cracker Barrel's unique business model — each location houses both a full-service restaurant and a country-themed retail gift shop — creates a wider variety of positions than a typical restaurant. This dual model can be advantageous for job seekers with records because it offers multiple entry points. If a retail position that involves cash handling is not available to you due to a theft-related conviction, a kitchen position in the restaurant side may be accessible. Conversely, if a food handling concern exists, a stocking or maintenance role on the retail side might be an option. The variety of positions also means more frequent openings across the store. Cracker Barrel locations are typically large, employing 80-150 people per store, which creates more opportunities overall.

Getting Hired at Cracker Barrel with a Record

To maximize your chances of getting hired at Cracker Barrel with a felony record, focus on kitchen positions first — dishwasher and cook roles have the highest acceptance rate and the most frequent openings. Apply online through the Cracker Barrel careers page or visit your local store and ask to speak with the manager. Cracker Barrel values Southern hospitality and a friendly demeanor, so present yourself warmly and professionally. If you have food service experience, emphasize it. Cracker Barrel prepares many dishes from scratch, so actual cooking skills are valued more than at some other chains. Be prepared to work early morning shifts — Cracker Barrel is a breakfast destination and morning shifts start very early. If hired, build a strong attendance and performance record. Cracker Barrel promotes from within frequently, and hourly workers can advance to management over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cracker Barrel hire felons?

Cracker Barrel hires people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. They conduct background checks but use individualized assessments. Kitchen roles (cook, dishwasher) and maintenance positions are the most accessible. Since all locations are corporate-owned, policies are consistent across stores.

Does Cracker Barrel do background checks?

Yes. Cracker Barrel runs background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening company. The check covers 7 years of criminal history, Social Security verification, and the sex offender registry. The check is conducted after a conditional offer of employment.

How far back does Cracker Barrel's background check go?

Cracker Barrel's background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with lookback restrictions, the 7-year limit is legally enforced. Convictions older than 7 years are less likely to affect hiring decisions even in states without such restrictions.

Is Cracker Barrel corporate-owned or franchised?

All Cracker Barrel locations are corporate-owned and operated. There are no franchisees. This means hiring policies are set at the corporate level and are more consistent across locations compared to franchise-based chains.

Does Cracker Barrel drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by state and position. Some Cracker Barrel locations conduct pre-employment drug screens while others do not. Post-accident testing and reasonable suspicion testing may apply to all employees. Ask about the policy at your specific location.

Can I work in the Cracker Barrel gift shop with a felony?

It depends on the nature of your conviction. Retail positions involve handling merchandise and transactions, so theft-related convictions face more scrutiny. Non-violent, non-theft felonies that are several years old are less likely to be a barrier for retail roles.

What positions are easiest to get at Cracker Barrel with a record?

Dishwasher, night maintenance, and prep cook positions are generally the most accessible. These roles have minimal customer interaction and do not involve cash handling. They also tend to have the highest turnover, creating more frequent openings.

Can I move up at Cracker Barrel after being hired?

Yes. Cracker Barrel promotes from within regularly. Starting as a dishwasher or cook and building a strong performance record can lead to promotions to shift leader, trainer, and eventually management positions. Many Cracker Barrel managers started in entry-level hourly roles.