Does Five Guys Hire Felons?
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Five Guys is franchise-dependent. Many franchise locations hire people with records for crew and kitchen positions. The brand's focus on food quality attracts workers who take pride in their craft.
Five Guys does hire people with felony records at many of its franchise locations. Five Guys operates approximately 1,700 locations in the United States, with a mix of corporate-owned and franchise locations. Hiring policies vary by location, but many franchise operators are willing to hire people with criminal backgrounds for crew member and kitchen roles. Five Guys is known for paying slightly higher wages than typical fast food due to its premium positioning, which makes it an attractive option. The company's focus on fresh food preparation means cooks and crew members play an important role, and franchise owners value workers who are reliable and take pride in food quality. Background check practices vary by location, but many franchise operators are flexible for entry-level positions.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Member | Yes | Varies by location | Food preparation, cashier duties, and customer service. Most accessible role. |
| Cook / Grill Operator | Yes | Varies by location | Burger and fry preparation. Five Guys emphasizes fresh cooking — no freezers or heat lamps. |
| Shift Leader | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Supervisory role with cash responsibilities. |
| General Manager | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive check | Full restaurant management. Individual hiring decisions by franchise owners or corporate. |
Five Guys Hiring Practices
Five Guys is a premium fast-casual burger chain known for its fresh, never-frozen ingredients and generous portions. The company operates through a mix of corporate-owned and franchise locations across the United States. Five Guys' hiring approach reflects its position as a higher-quality alternative to traditional fast food — the company tends to pay above minimum wage and expects a higher standard of work. However, this does not mean the company excludes people with records. Many franchise operators and corporate locations hire people with criminal backgrounds for crew and kitchen positions. The emphasis is on food quality and customer service rather than background. Five Guys' fresh preparation model means every crew member is involved in cooking, and the company values workers who take pride in their craft.
Background Check Practices
Background check policies at Five Guys vary by location. Corporate-owned locations typically conduct background checks on all new hires, while franchise locations may have more varied practices. The checks generally cover criminal history and may include Social Security verification. Five Guys follows FCRA requirements and applicable state ban-the-box laws. For entry-level crew positions, the company tends to be more focused on food safety compliance and reliability than criminal history.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply online through Five Guys' careers website or visit a location in person. Five Guys tends to attract a slightly different worker profile than typical fast food due to its premium positioning and higher pay. Emphasize your interest in food quality and willingness to learn. Five Guys' training process is more involved than typical fast food chains, so showing enthusiasm for learning their methods is valuable. Be available for lunch and dinner rushes. Apply at multiple locations if the first does not work out.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at fiveguys.com/careers or visit locations in person to ask about openings.
- 2.Emphasize interest in food quality and willingness to learn Five Guys' specific preparation methods.
- 3.Five Guys pays above typical fast food wages — highlight reliability and work ethic.
- 4.Be available for peak hours (lunch and dinner). Weekend availability is valued.
- 5.Apply at multiple locations. Corporate and franchise locations may have different policies.
- 6.If you have prior kitchen or cooking experience, highlight it in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Five Guys hire felons?
- Many Five Guys locations hire people with felony records for crew and kitchen positions. Policies vary between corporate-owned and franchise locations.
- Does Five Guys do background checks?
- Background check practices vary by location. Corporate locations typically conduct checks; franchise practices vary.
- Does Five Guys drug test?
- Drug testing policies vary by location. Many locations do not require pre-employment drug testing for crew positions.
- How much does Five Guys pay?
- Five Guys typically pays above minimum wage for crew positions due to its premium brand positioning, with exact wages varying by location and market.
- Is Five Guys franchise or corporate?
- Five Guys operates through a mix of corporate-owned and franchise locations. Hiring policies may vary accordingly.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Five Guys Careers
Search and apply for positions at Five Guys locations.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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