Does El Pollo Loco Hire Felons?
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El Pollo Loco hires some people with records. Mix of corporate and franchise locations, primarily in California where fair chance laws apply.
El Pollo Loco hires some people with felony records. The chain operates over 490 locations, primarily in California and the Southwest. A mix of corporate-owned and franchise-operated locations means policies vary. In California, fair chance hiring laws require individualized assessment of criminal records after a conditional offer. El Pollo Loco's focus on fresh, fire-grilled chicken means kitchen positions are plentiful. The chain's California concentration means applicants benefit from some of the strongest fair chance hiring protections in the country.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Member | Sometimes | Yes — after conditional offer in CA | Entry-level. California Fair Chance Act protections apply. |
| Cook / Grill Operator | Sometimes | Yes — after conditional offer in CA | Fire-grilled chicken preparation. Kitchen experience helpful. |
| Cashier | Sometimes | Yes — after conditional offer in CA | Customer-facing with cash handling. |
| Shift Leader | Sometimes | Yes | Promoted from within based on performance. |
| Assistant Manager | Rarely | Yes | Management responsibility with more thorough background review. |
El Pollo Loco Hiring Practices
El Pollo Loco is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-style grilled chicken, with over 490 locations primarily in California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. The chain operates through a mix of corporate-owned and franchise locations. In California, where the majority of locations are situated, El Pollo Loco must comply with the Fair Chance Act, which prohibits asking about criminal history before a conditional job offer and requires individualized assessment. This legal framework benefits applicants with records.
Background Check Process
El Pollo Loco conducts background checks after extending conditional job offers. In California, the Fair Chance Act governs this process — the company must evaluate criminal records individually, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. If El Pollo Loco considers rescinding an offer based on a background check, they must provide written notice and allow the applicant to respond before making a final decision.
What Disqualifies You
Under California law, El Pollo Loco must assess each applicant individually. Violent felonies and sex offenses are most likely to be disqualifying. Theft convictions are evaluated for their relevance to the position. Drug offenses, especially older ones, are typically not disqualifying for crew roles. Convictions older than 7 years generally cannot be considered in California.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply online through El Pollo Loco's career portal. In California, the company cannot ask about your criminal history until after offering you the job. Present yourself professionally and emphasize food service experience. Spanish language skills are valued at many locations. Apply to multiple locations for the best chances.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at elpolloloco.com/careers and follow up in person.
- 2.In California, employers cannot ask about criminal history before a conditional job offer.
- 3.Spanish language skills are valued at many El Pollo Loco locations.
- 4.Emphasize food service experience and availability for all shifts.
- 5.Apply to multiple locations — franchise and corporate locations may differ.
- 6.Know your rights under the California Fair Chance Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does El Pollo Loco hire felons?
- Some El Pollo Loco locations hire people with felony records. In California, fair chance hiring laws require individualized assessment of criminal records after a conditional job offer.
- Does El Pollo Loco do background checks?
- Yes, El Pollo Loco conducts background checks after conditional job offers. In California, the process is governed by the Fair Chance Act.
- Does El Pollo Loco drug test?
- Drug testing policies vary by location and position. In California, pre-employment marijuana testing has become less common.
- How much does El Pollo Loco pay?
- El Pollo Loco team members typically earn $16-$20 per hour in California due to the state's higher minimum wage. Pay varies by location and state.
- Where are El Pollo Loco locations?
- El Pollo Loco operates over 490 locations, primarily in California, with additional locations in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and a few other states.
Take Action — Direct Links
- El Pollo Loco Careers
Official career page.
- California Fair Chance Act
California fair chance hiring rights.
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