Are you looking for work with fast food experience? If so, you may have wondered: Does Steak n Shake hire felons?
Well, we were wondering too. See, here at Successful Release we understand exactly what you face when job hunting. How so? Most Successful Release employees have a criminal record or have experience working with those who do. We aim to use this experience to help you and other people with criminal records get back into the workforce.
This is why Successful Release contacts companies directly to ask them about their hiring policies for former felons. In this article, we will answer many important questions that will assist you in figuring out how to get a job at Steak n Shake with a felony.
Here are just a few questions we look to answer for you:
- Does Steak n Shake do background checks?
- Does Steak n Shake drug test?
- What are some tips for applying here?
- What if you don’t have a felon record? Does Steak n Shake hire people with misdemeanors?
Does Steak n Shake hire felons?

Attr: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Dwight Burdette
Official company policy for hiring felons
We reached out to Steak n Shake as promised, however we were unsuccessful in making contact. We did a bit of research to help us figure out what they might be in the meantime. From what we could see online, they don’t have
While it’s not clear if they’re willing to hire felons, something that stood out to us was the fact that Steak n Shake can also be a franchise. You may have better luck at a franchise location since those hiring managers get to personalize what they’re looking for.
Has Steak n Shake hired felons in the past?
We turned to our online sources to see if Steak n Shake has a reputation for hiring ex-offenders. There wasn’t anything solid, though — it was a mixture of answers.
That said, we have some tips on how to get hired at Steak n Shake, even with a record, below!
Does Steak n Shake hire people with misdemeanors?
Since we like to help everyone looking for a job with a record, we make sure to look for information about people with misdemeanors too. Unfortunately, we didn’t find anything specifically about this.
Don’t get discouraged, though! We have a section ahead that will help you know how to get a job at Steak n Shake with a felony . . . or misdemeanor.
Is Steak n Shake on the Ban the Box list?
Having any conviction on your record isn’t easy when you are looking for a job. But with the help of the Ban the Box campaign and the Fair Chance Business Pledge, this could change. They’re trying to make the hiring process fair for you and other former offenders. How so?
Well, employers that sign Ban the Box remove all questions about criminal history from their applications.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge is being signed by employers willing to show their commitment to treat each applicant equally — criminal record or not.
It is unfortunate, but Steak n Shake doesn’t support either of these organizations.
Does Steak n Shake have special programs for hiring felons?
No, they don’t have any special programs to offer former felons.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

Let’s face it, when you’re applying for a job with a record, you want to have some idea of what your chances will be. We were hoping to be able to provide you with a direct answer here, but without direct confirmation, we have to say the odds of being hired here with a felony are uncertain.
We recommend you give it your all and apply anyway. Remember there are franchises where the hiring policies may differ!
What are some entry-level jobs?
The great thing about entry-level positions is that they usually require little (if any) experience. In order to give you an idea of some of the roles at Steak n Shake, we hand-picked a few to show their duties and requirements. Let’s take a look:
Cashier
You’ll be operating a cash register and taking orders. Since you will be dealing with the public, you’re expected to provide friendly customer service.
Here are a few other requirements:
-
- Standing, bending, stretching and walking throughout the shift
- Lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds
- Basic reading, writing and math skills
- Ability to handle guest complaints
Shift Manager
A shift manager is expected to lead staff while making sure the restaurant runs smoothly and effectively.
Here are a few of the requirements:
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- Execute a daily review of all areas of the restaurant
- Responsible for ensuring the stations are appropriately set up and stocked
- Maintain strict compliance with health, safety, and security standards and procedures
- Create a positive team environment
How to get hired at Steak n Shake with a felony
So you’ve decided to apply, but you’re stuck at where to begin. Lucky for you, we have you covered! We’ve put together some reminders that will help you with the main three areas in applying: The application, resume and interview.
Application
The application can be filled out online, but what if you don’t have access to a computer? Remember that the library provides computers and internet to anyone in need. Another option is to see if you can get a paper application.
Fill it out completely and match your skills and experience to the job you want. If you can show them why it makes sense to hire you on paper first, you’ll get an interview!
Resume
You may be thinking, “This is a fast food joint, why would I need a resume?” Well, for starters, employers need to see what you know. A solid resume is a wonderful way to out-shine all the other applicants.
And we have created a guide to help you in this area. We will show you how to include jobs you held while incarcerated too!
How do you do that? Take, for example, the canteen position you had. This job gave you experience in stocking and customer service. These are skills that will be useful at Steak n Shake.
Interview
Prepare for the interview by practicing with a friend or even in front of a mirror. Remember to maintain eye contact — which shows interest — and give the best examples of your work when answering questions.
This is also the ideal time to discuss your background. You can control the story and explain the situation at the time, as well as the changes you’ve made in your life since.
Does Steak n Shake do background checks?
It’s clear that Steak n Shake will require a background check.
Here are some things to keep in mind regarding background checks:
Are you applying with an offense from many years ago? Well, luckily, there are states that will only see an offense if it’s less than seven years old. Those states are as follows:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(*certain pay or salary bracket positions require a screening.)
If you have something on your record but you weren’t convicted, the following states will see only guilty convictions:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
The majority of the states will still look at everything. Such as:
- 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
We wanted to know what people have to say about working at Steak n Shake, so we turned our attention to glassdoor.com. Looking at the reviews, we see that they are rated with 2.7 out of 5 stars. With just a little over 1,000 reviews, let’s take a closer look at how they got their score.
The positive reviews show that there’s a great work atmosphere and they offer flexible scheduling. However, the hours are long and the pay isn’t that great.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
You have probably wondered if your conviction will prevent you from being hired here. Well, to cover all areas, we made sure to include the offenses that may make it more difficult for you:
- Any type of theft conviction will probably be looked at with a fine-tooth comb. Steak n Shake’s positions involve handling cash and credit cards, so these crimes may make it harder for you.
- Violent and sexual crimes may also be marks against an applicant. Since Steak n Shake is a customer-oriented company that deals with the public, you’ll be working with people of all ages and they have to ensure everyone’s safety.
Does Steak n Shake drug test?
It isn’t clear if a drug screen will be done. This may depend on the position you’re applying for and the particular owner. We suggest that you prepare for one anytime you’re job hunting, just in case.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
What information can you provide us? Does Steak n Shake hire felons? Have you or someone you know worked here with a felony? We appreciate your insight and feedback!