Does Whataburger Hire Felons?

Whataburger is a popular fast food chain in the southern United States. The company is known for their burgers and other sandwiches.

Employment at companies like Whataburger is important for felons to reintegrate into society. A steady job guarantees routine and provides stability for those looking for future opportunities to grow.

About Whataburger

Whataburger’s signature food is hamburgers, but they also sell shakes, salads, and other sandwiches. The company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with locations in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and several southern states in the United States.

Whataburger began in 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened his first burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. The company is still owned and operated by the Dobson family.

Over 600 of Whataburger’s 800 locations are in Texas. Over 40,000 people worked for Whataburger in June 2019, and the company is still growing.

All of Whataburger’s employees, called Family Members, receive competitive weekly pay. Employees who work an average of 30 hours a week or more also receive benefits like medical plans, a 401(k) savings plan, and time off benefits.

Whataburger’s fast-paced and energized work environment is one of several aspects of the company that employees love. Family Members also report that shift lengths are reasonable and fun while still offering great service to guests.

Does Whataburger Hire Felons?

Based on our research, Whataburger’s policy for hiring felons varies by location. Whataburger’s franchised restaurants operate independently from Whataburger as a corporation, and franchisees can hire employees based on their own discretion.

This is good news, but it means that you may have better luck at some Whataburger locations than others. It’s up to the General Manager at each location to decide whether a felony was long enough ago or serious enough to prevent employment.

Does Whataburger Run Background Checks?

Whataburger runs background checks on applicants after it has received applications. This check finds your previous work history, driving records, drug testing, and criminal records.

Whataburger’s background checks are compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which guarantees that the check cannot include civil judgments or arrests that happened more than seven years ago.

Careers at Whataburger

All careers at Whataburger ensure that guests receive high quality food and excellent service. However, there are positions available at a variety of levels.

Team Members are entry-level workers responsible for food preparation and delivery, along with the daily operations of individual Whataburger locations. Team Members are frequently considered for other higher-level positions.

In addition to standard food preparation responsibilities, Team Leaders ensure Whataburger’s quality standards. These employees communicate issues to management and contribute to restaurant administration.

Managers have more responsibilities than Team Leaders and will assist the General Manager with the hiring process. Managers schedule shifts and order food for preparation in each location.

If you’re not interested in working directly in food service, Equipment Technicians still work closely with individual Whataburger locations. Repairing and maintaining appliances and other equipment are Technician’s primary responsibilities.

Brand Development Coordinators also don’t work directly with food preparation, but they work in marketing for Whataburger instead. These employees are responsible for local store marketing and increasing business for individual locations.

Application Process at Whataburger

To apply at Whataburger, go to Whataburger’s Careers page (https://whataburger.avature.net/Careers/SearchJobs/?3_74_3=%5B%22220%22%5D) to see open job listings. You will be required to create a profile and apply online. You don’t need a resume, as you will provide your information on your profile.

Whataburger allows applicants to apply for multiple positions at the same time, so take advantage of this. Apply for positions at as many locations as you want, as this may improve your chances of getting hired.

Be open about your experiences and background when asked. Having a felony on your record does not immediately disqualify you for a position at Whataburger, so have a conversation with your interviewer about your record to determine whether you are eligible for the position you’re interviewing for.

In addition to being honest and frank about your history, use any previous work history you have to your advantage. Show your interviewer and the hiring manager that you’re a dedicated, hard worker who is excited about the opportunity to contribute to Whataburger’s upbeat company culture.