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Does Ruby Tuesday Hire Felons?

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Sometimes

Ruby Tuesday hires some people with records. The casual dining chain has been restructuring and values reliable staff.

Ruby Tuesday hires some people with felony records. The casual dining chain has gone through significant restructuring and now operates a smaller footprint of about 200 locations. Remaining locations are a mix of corporate and franchise. Ruby Tuesday conducts background checks but evaluates records individually. Kitchen positions are most accessible for applicants with records.

Hiring by Position

PositionFelon Friendly?Background CheckNotes
DishwasherYesYes — individualizedMost accessible back-of-house role. High turnover creates frequent openings.
Line Cook / Prep CookSometimesYesKitchen experience valued. Back-of-house with limited customer contact.
ServerSometimesYesCustomer-facing tipped position. Cash and credit card handling required.
Host / HostessSometimesYesFirst customer contact point. Presentation and attitude valued.
BartenderRarelyYesAlcohol service requires clean record in many states. Liquor license requirements apply.
Restaurant ManagerRarelyYes — comprehensiveFull management responsibility with thorough background review.

Ruby Tuesday Hiring Practices for People with Records

Ruby Tuesday is a casual dining restaurant that conducts background checks on potential employees but evaluates criminal records through individualized assessment. The company considers the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the relevance to the position being applied for. Back-of-house positions including dishwasher, prep cook, and line cook are generally the most accessible for people with criminal records. The restaurant industry as a whole has higher rates of hiring people with records compared to many other sectors.

Background Check Process

Ruby Tuesday conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer of employment. The check typically includes a criminal history search covering 7 years. The company complies with applicable ban-the-box laws and EEOC guidance on considering criminal records in employment. If an issue is found, applicants typically receive notice and an opportunity to respond.

What Disqualifies You

Sex offenses are typically disqualifying at Ruby Tuesday. Violent felonies within the past 5-7 years may be disqualifying, especially for customer-facing roles. Theft convictions may affect eligibility for positions involving cash handling. Drug convictions, especially older ones, are generally less concerning for kitchen roles. Bartender positions may be restricted based on state liquor licensing requirements that prohibit people with certain felonies from serving alcohol.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply online through the Ruby Tuesday career page or visit the restaurant in person during off-peak hours (2-4 PM). Target back-of-house positions for the best chances. Emphasize any restaurant experience and your availability for evenings and weekends. If you have kitchen skills, highlight them — experienced cooks are always in demand. Be prepared for a background check after a conditional offer.

Application Tips for People with Records

  • 1.Apply online or visit the restaurant during off-peak hours (2-4 PM) to speak with a manager.
  • 2.Target back-of-house roles (dishwasher, prep cook, line cook) for the best chances with a record.
  • 3.Emphasize restaurant experience and availability for evenings and weekends.
  • 4.Be honest about your record if asked — the background check will reveal it anyway.
  • 5.Kitchen skills are in high demand in casual dining. Highlight any cooking experience.
  • 6.Ask about promotion opportunities during the interview to show long-term commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ruby Tuesday hire felons?
Ruby Tuesday hires some people with felony records. The company conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment. Back-of-house and kitchen positions are most accessible for applicants with records.
Does Ruby Tuesday do background checks?
Yes, Ruby Tuesday conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer. Criminal records are evaluated individually based on nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.
Can I be a server at Ruby Tuesday with a felony?
It depends on the nature of the felony and how long ago it occurred. Server positions are customer-facing and involve handling cash and credit cards, so theft convictions may be more of a concern. Non-violent, non-theft felonies are more likely to be accepted.
Does Ruby Tuesday drug test?
Drug testing policies may vary by location and position. Some locations drug test for all positions while others focus on management and kitchen roles.
How much do Ruby Tuesday employees make?
Kitchen staff typically earn $12-$18 per hour. Servers earn tipped wages plus tips, often averaging $15-$25 per hour including tips. Dishwashers earn $10-$14 per hour depending on location.

Take Action — Direct Links

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).