Does Darden Restaurants do background checks?

Yes, Darden Restaurants conducts background checks after conditional job offers.

Does Darden Restaurants drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by position and location.

How much does Darden Restaurants pay?

Pay varies by position and location. Entry-level positions typically start at $11-$18/hour.

What positions at Darden Restaurants are best for someone with a felony?

Entry-level, warehouse, and back-of-house positions are generally the most accessible for people with records.

Does Darden Restaurants Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

Darden Restaurants hires some people with records. Parent of Olive Garden, LongHorn, Cheddar's, and more.

Darden Restaurants hires some people with felony records across its portfolio of restaurant brands including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, and Eddie V's. As the world's largest full-service dining company, Darden conducts background checks with individualized assessment. Kitchen and dishwasher positions are the most accessible.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Entry-Level / Associate	Sometimes	Yes — individualized	Most accessible entry point. Background check with individualized assessment.
Warehouse / Stock	Sometimes	Yes	Back-of-house or warehouse work. Less customer interaction.
Customer-Facing / Sales	Sometimes	Yes	Customer interaction required. Some positions involve cash handling.
Skilled / Technical	Sometimes	Yes	Skills-based positions. Relevant experience valued.
Management	Rarely	Yes — comprehensive	Leadership roles with thorough background review.

Darden Restaurants Hiring Practices for People with Records

Darden Restaurants conducts background checks on applicants but evaluates criminal records through individualized assessment. The company considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. Entry-level and labor-intensive positions are generally the most accessible for people with criminal records. The company complies with applicable fair chance hiring laws.

Background Check Process

Darden Restaurants conducts background checks after extending conditional job offers. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. If adverse information is found, the company provides pre-adverse action notice as required by the FCRA, giving applicants the opportunity to respond.

What Disqualifies You from Working at Darden Restaurants

Violent felonies and sex offenses are typically disqualifying. Theft and drug convictions are assessed individually based on the position and time elapsed. The specific criteria may vary based on the role and local laws.

Tips for Getting Hired at Darden Restaurants with a Record

Apply online through Darden Restaurants's career portal. Target entry-level positions for the best chances. Emphasize reliability, relevant skills, and availability. Be honest about your record during the background check process. Know your rights under your state's fair chance hiring laws.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online through Darden Restaurants's official career page.
2.Target entry-level and back-of-house positions for better chances with a record.
3.Emphasize reliability, relevant experience, and availability for all shifts.
4.Be honest about your record — background checks will reveal it.
5.Know your rights under your state's fair chance hiring laws.
6.Apply to multiple locations if available for more opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Darden Restaurants hire felons?: Darden Restaurants hires some people with felony records. Background checks use individualized assessment.
Does Darden Restaurants do background checks?: Yes, Darden Restaurants conducts background checks after conditional job offers.
Does Darden Restaurants drug test?: Drug testing policies vary by position and location.
How much does Darden Restaurants pay?: Pay varies by position and location. Entry-level positions typically start at $11-$18/hour.
What positions at Darden Restaurants are best for someone with a felony?: Entry-level, warehouse, and back-of-house positions are generally the most accessible for people with records.

Take Action — Direct Links

Darden Restaurants Careers
Official career page.
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).