Does Sonic do background checks?

Background check practices vary by franchise. Many locations do not screen entry-level carhop and crew positions.

Does Sonic drug test?

Most Sonic franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug testing for entry-level positions.

Who owns Sonic Drive-In?

Sonic is owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', and Jimmy John's. Individual locations are franchise-operated.

Do Sonic carhops make tips?

Yes, Sonic carhops typically earn tips in addition to their base hourly wage, which can make the total compensation competitive with other fast food positions.

Does Sonic Drive-In Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Sometimes

Sonic Drive-In is franchise-dependent. Many franchise locations hire people with records, especially for carhop and kitchen roles.

Sonic Drive-In does hire people with felony records at many franchise locations. Sonic operates over 3,500 drive-in restaurants across the United States, with the vast majority being franchise-owned. Hiring policies vary by franchise operator, but the drive-in format and high turnover create consistent hiring needs that many franchise owners fill by giving second chances. Carhop (server), cook, and crew positions are the most accessible for people with records. Sonic's unique drive-in model means many roles involve outdoor car service rather than traditional indoor dining, which can provide a different work environment. Many franchise owners prioritize personality, hustle, and reliability over background for entry-level positions.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Carhop / Server	Yes	Varies by franchise	Delivers food to cars on the lot. Tips available. Most accessible position with high turnover.
Cook / Kitchen Crew	Yes	Varies by franchise	Food preparation in the kitchen. Limited customer interaction.
Crew Member	Yes	Varies by franchise	General duties including food prep, serving, and cleaning.
Shift Manager	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Supervisory role. Franchise owners make individual decisions.

Sonic Drive-In Hiring Approach

Sonic Drive-In (owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Dunkin') operates the largest drive-in restaurant chain in the United States. The vast majority of Sonic locations are franchise-owned, meaning individual franchise operators set their own hiring policies. The drive-in format creates unique staffing challenges — carhops work outdoors in various weather conditions, and the job requires hustle and energy. This means franchise owners often prioritize attitude and willingness to work over background. Many Sonic franchise locations are located in smaller towns and suburban areas across the South and Midwest, where the labor pool may be smaller and franchise owners are more open to second chance hiring.

Background Check Practices

Background check practices at Sonic vary by franchise. Many franchise operators do not run formal background checks for carhop and crew positions. Management positions are more likely to include a background check. Sonic corporate (Inspire Brands) provides general guidelines but defers to franchise operators on hiring decisions. The emphasis at most locations is on food handler certification and the ability to pass training rather than background screening.

Tips for Getting Hired

Visit Sonic locations in person and ask about openings. The carhop role is often the easiest to get and offers the benefit of tips. Be energetic and personable during your visit — Sonic values personality and hustle. Apply at multiple locations if needed. Summer is the busiest season for Sonic (drive-ins are popular in warm weather), making it the peak hiring period. Be willing to work evenings and weekends when business is heaviest.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Visit Sonic locations in person and ask to speak with the manager about openings.
2.Apply for carhop or kitchen crew positions — these are the most accessible and often don't require background checks.
3.Be energetic and personable. Sonic values hustle and positive attitude.
4.Apply during spring and summer when drive-in business is heaviest and hiring needs peak.
5.Try multiple locations if one turns you down — different franchise owners have different policies.
6.Mention willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sonic Drive-In hire felons?: Many Sonic Drive-In franchise locations hire people with felony records for carhop and crew positions. Policies vary by franchise owner.
Does Sonic do background checks?: Background check practices vary by franchise. Many locations do not screen entry-level carhop and crew positions.
Does Sonic drug test?: Most Sonic franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug testing for entry-level positions.
Who owns Sonic Drive-In?: Sonic is owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', and Jimmy John's. Individual locations are franchise-operated.
Do Sonic carhops make tips?: Yes, Sonic carhops typically earn tips in addition to their base hourly wage, which can make the total compensation competitive with other fast food positions.

Take Action — Direct Links

Sonic Drive-In Careers
Search and apply for positions at Sonic Drive-In locations.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Helpful guides

Drug TestingDOT drug testing rules — guide for CDL drivers and regulated employees
Pardon & ClemencyFederal pardon — how to apply for a presidential pardon
ExpungementHow to find an expungement lawyer
DUI RecoveryHow to find a DUI lawyer

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).