Cracker Barrel Hiring Overview For 2023

Founded 1969

Type Public

Headquarters Lebanon, TN

Size Large Corporation

Industry Restaurant

A great way to get back in the working world with a felony conviction is with a restaurant job. That’s why we’re going to tell you if Cracker Barrel hires felons so you can apply to one in your area and get your life back on track!

See, many of us at Relaunch Pad have worked closely with former felons looking for work or are former felons ourselves. We use our experience to help you and other former felons on the job hunt.

But Relaunch Pad takes it one step further and contacts companies directly to ask about their hiring policy for former felons, including Cracker Barrel.

We then do background research to get real insights on what it’s like to work there and how best to go about getting the job. We’ve done this at more than 1,000 different businesses throughout the US, so we really know our stuff!

Here are a few questions we will be answering to help you learn how to get hired at Cracker Barrel with a felony:

  • Does Cracker Barrel hire people with misdemeanors?
  • Will my specific felony disqualify me?
  • What are some entry-level jobs?
  • Does Cracker Barrel do background checks and drug test?

Let’s see how we can help you today.

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Does Cracker Barrel hire felons?

Confirmed felon employer

a Cracker Barrel restaurant

Official company policy for hiring felons

When we contacted Cracker Barrel, here is what we were told:

“Cracker Barrel follows the EEOC guidelines and completes an individualized assessment on all applicants that have a criminal conviction.”

This wasn’t the direct answer we were hoping for, so we did some research of our own to see how to get a job at Cracker Barrel with a felony and which felonies will set you back the most.

Has Cracker Barrel hired felons in the past?

Looking at online responses, it appears that they have! This is always great news, but it may depend on the particular conviction.

We’re going to continue digging to see what we can uncover, though.

Does Cracker Barrel hire people with misdemeanors?

There wasn’t a simple answer to this question. All the responses we came across seemed to suggest they do, but we aren’t sure. We would still suggest that you apply anyway and be honest about your record.

Will Cracker Barrel hire you with pending charges?

There’s a good chance Cracker Barrel will hire someone with pending charges because we know they’ll consider people with convictions.

Current Job Openings At Cracker Barrel

As a server, you truly care about providing a memorable and hospitable experience. You are welcoming and accommodating with the ability to educate our patrons and guide their experience to create lasting memories. You have a desire to expand your…
As a cook, you’ll set up your station and participate in prep. You should be passionate about putting out consistent, quality food and seeking opportunities to learn and grow in the kitchen. You should be able to follow recipes and take direction…
As a server, you truly care about providing a memorable and hospitable experience. You are welcoming and accommodating with the ability to educate our patrons and guide their experience to create lasting memories. You have a desire to expand your…

Reviews

Total Reviews (0)

Interviews

Total Interviews (0)

What are the chances of Cracker Barrel hiring a felon?

Is Cracker Barrel on the Ban the Box list?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to not have to answer questions about your criminal record when applying for a job? Well, there are now certain groups that are urging employers to remove these questions from their applications!

The Ban the Box campaign was created just for this purpose. If companies will agree to remove these questions from their applications, individuals with a criminal history will have a fair chance at employment. How? The company is forced to look at just the applicant’s skills instead of their criminal history.

Unfortunately, Cracker Barrel doesn’t support Ban the Box.

Another initiative designed to help at-risk populations is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. This is an actual agreement that companies make committing to practicing fair hiring for all — including those with previous convictions.

Remember, just because Cracker Barrel doesn’t support either of these doesn’t mean you can’t get a job at Cracker Barrel with a felony.

Does Cracker Barrel have special programs for hiring felons?

No, Cracker Barrel doesn’t offer these special programs.

What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

Average likelihood of hiring felons

Does Cracker Barrel hire felons? Based off the information from online sources and what we heard from the company, it appears that they do. However, it depends on the nature of your crime. The odds of being hired at Cracker Barrel with a felony, therefore, are average.

How to get hired at Cracker Barrel with a felony

What are some entry-level jobs?

Cracker Barrel is a different kind of restaurant because they also have an Old Country Store in each one. So even if the restaurant gig isn’t your thing, there are other options that may interest you!

Here are a few of their entry-level positions:

Server — This position requires an individual who is warm, friendly and has great customer service skills. You will be expected to properly take orders and assist customers with their needs in a timely manner.

Host — The first point of contact in a restaurant! You will be responsible for warmly greeting guests and planning out the seating.

Busser/Dishwasher — You will be expected to quickly remove used dishes from tables and make sure all dishes are washed properly.

Sales — This job will require customer service skills. You will assist customers with their purchases and must be able to answer questions regarding merchandise.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

Application

In order to have a better understanding of what was needed for Cracker Barrel’s application, we took a peek. Only basic information is required, but be prepared to provide days and times you’re available to work. Previous work history and contact information are needed as well.

Resume

We noticed that Cracker Barrel doesn’t require a resume, but they give you the option to upload one. It’s highly recommended that you provide one!

Oh, you don’t have a resume? Well, lucky for you we have put together a guide to build a great resume.

Make sure you check it out, even if you already have one. We provide some great tips to help make your skills stand out — including the ones you picked up while you were incarcerated. What do we mean? The jobs you had during your incarceration taught you certain skills, and are considered experience.

Those jobs in the kitchen provided restaurant experience in cooking, dishwashing and customer service. So don’t hide these skills — highlight them!

Interview 

Since we know that customers are a priority at Cracker Barrel, allow them to see your personality in the interview. This shows the interviewer how you’d be with customers. For example: Make sure you’re smiling, polite and friendly. You will absolutely be evaluated on how friendly you are!

This is also your chance to address your record. Moreover, this is your chance to control the story and focus on how you’ve grown! They can also ask any questions they may have.

Does Cracker Barrel do background checks?

Cracker Barrel makes it clear that there will be a background check. This is performed after the interview.

Something to keep in mind regarding background checks:

Did you know that there are states that will now look at your record only if it’s less than seven years old? Here are those states:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Indiana (limited check)
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Washington

We also have a few states that will look only at guilty convictions. They are as follows:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana (limited check)
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New York

We do still have some states that show everything. Those states include:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • DC
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Indiana (extensive check)
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Company ratings

Cracker Barrel earned 3.2 out of 5 stars on glassdoor.com. With a little over 3,000 reviews, this isn’t a bad rating!

Pros — Working here provides fair wages and flexible schedules.

Cons — Long hours and some of the stores are run poorly.

What felonies Cracker Barrel will not hire

Cracker Barrel did not tell us what felonies will stop an application in its tracks. We used our research to figure out some charges that might hold it up. Read the next section.

What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?

We’re all aware that there are usually a few convictions that any employer will look at more closely. Here are some we think Cracker Barrel will particularly take issue with:

  • Theft of any kind. Most positions in their restaurant and store will require handling cash, credit cards and merchandise.
  • Sexual or violent offenses. Cracker Barrel is a family-friendly restaurant. Most of their positions interact with the public, so any charges of harm against another person will probably make it difficult in getting hired.

Does Cracker Barrel hire sex offenders?

We’re not sure on this one, but it’s unlikely given their customer base.

Does Cracker Barrel drug test?

We’re unsure. Their application states that they’re a drug-free workplace, but there wasn’t anything that mentioned a drug screen. It could depend on which position is being applied for. In any event, we recommend that you’re prepared — just in case.

Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!

What can you tell us about working at Cracker Barrel? Have you or someone you know worked here with a felony? We value your responses!

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