Does Zaxby's do background checks?

Background check policies vary by franchise owner. Some locations check all applicants while others only check management candidates.

Does Zaxby's drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by franchise. Some locations drug test all new hires while others do not test for crew positions.

How much does Zaxby's pay?

Zaxby's crew members typically earn $9-$13 per hour. Shift leaders earn $11-$15. Management salaries vary by franchise and location.

Where are Zaxby's locations?

Zaxby's operates over 900 locations primarily in the Southeastern US, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and surrounding states.

Does Zaxby's Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

Zaxby's is franchise-dependent. Many locations in the Southeast hire people with records for crew positions.

Zaxby's hires some people with felony records depending on the franchise location. The chicken-focused fast-casual chain operates over 900 locations, primarily in the Southeastern US. As a franchise-operated chain, individual owners set hiring policies. Many franchise owners are willing to hire people with non-violent records for crew and kitchen positions. Zaxby's reputation as a quality employer in the fast food space means competition for positions can be higher than at some other chains.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Crew Member	Sometimes	Varies by franchise	Entry-level role. Many franchises are open to applicants with records.
Cook / Kitchen Staff	Sometimes	Varies by franchise	Chicken preparation and cooking. Kitchen roles may be more accessible.
Cashier	Sometimes	Varies by franchise	Customer-facing with cash handling.
Shift Leader	Sometimes	Usually yes	Promoted from within. Demonstrated reliability required.
Assistant Manager	Rarely	Yes	Background check standard for management positions.

Zaxby's Hiring Practices

Zaxby's is a fast-casual chicken restaurant chain headquartered in Athens, Georgia, with over 900 locations across the Southeast. The chain is franchise-operated, with individual franchise owners making hiring decisions. Zaxby's has a reputation for better-than-average fast food working conditions, which means positions can be competitive. However, many franchise owners in the Southeast understand the value of second-chance hiring and are willing to consider applicants with criminal records, particularly for kitchen and crew positions.

Background Check Process

Background check policies vary by Zaxby's franchise owner. Some franchise groups conduct background checks for all positions, while others only check for management roles. In states with ban-the-box laws, Zaxby's franchise locations must comply with local regulations regarding when criminal history can be considered. The hiring process typically involves an online application followed by an in-person interview.

What Disqualifies You

Disqualification depends on the franchise owner. Violent felonies and sex offenses are most likely to be disqualifying. Theft convictions may affect cashier eligibility. Drug possession charges, especially older ones, are typically less concerning. Each franchise owner evaluates applications individually.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply online through Zaxby's career portal and follow up in person. Emphasize availability for busy shifts (lunch and dinner rushes). Zaxby's values teamwork and a positive attitude — demonstrate these qualities in your interview. Apply to multiple locations if one declines. Starting as crew and proving reliability is the fastest path to advancement.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at zaxbys.com/careers and follow up in person within 2-3 days.
2.Emphasize availability during peak hours — lunch and dinner rushes are when they need the most help.
3.Zaxby's values teamwork and positive attitude — demonstrate these in your interview.
4.Apply to multiple Zaxby's locations if one declines your application.
5.Any food service experience gives you an advantage — mention it prominently.
6.Ask about Zaxby's promotion path from crew to management during the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Zaxby's hire felons?: Some Zaxby's locations hire people with felony records. As a franchise chain, policies vary by location. Many franchise owners in the Southeast are willing to consider applicants with non-violent records.
Does Zaxby's do background checks?: Background check policies vary by franchise owner. Some locations check all applicants while others only check management candidates.
Does Zaxby's drug test?: Drug testing policies vary by franchise. Some locations drug test all new hires while others do not test for crew positions.
How much does Zaxby's pay?: Zaxby's crew members typically earn $9-$13 per hour. Shift leaders earn $11-$15. Management salaries vary by franchise and location.
Where are Zaxby's locations?: Zaxby's operates over 900 locations primarily in the Southeastern US, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and surrounding states.

Take Action — Direct Links

Zaxby's Careers
Official career page with job listings.
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).