Chipotle Jobs For Felons (2024 Guide)

Many felons see Chipotle job ads and wonder whether Chipotle is open to hiring them. Since the company needs to fill numerous positions, it’s worth discussing its selection and hiring process to determine if the company is felon friendly.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., known simply as Chipotle, is a popular chain of restaurants located in the U.S., UK, Germany, Canada, and France. The company employs almost 100,000 people and, because they open new locations regularly, posts job ads frequently.

If you are interested in the food industry, consider food delivery jobs, as a lot of these are felon-friendly.

What Jobs Does Chipotle Offer?

Chipotle offers a wide range of jobs, from entry-level to those that require years of experience and special skills.

The company divides its jobs into three categories: restaurant crew, restaurant management, and corporate. Here’s a quick review of these categories:

Restaurant Crew

Restaurant crew jobs are typically entry-level and don’t require experience. Since Chipotle likes promoting within the company, this can be an excellent starting position for anyone who wants to advance to management or corporate position over time.

These positions are generally listed as:

-Crew member
-Restaurant Management

Chipotle offers several levels of restaurant management positions. Some require a college education and experience in a similar position, while others are more beginner-friendly. They include:

-Kitchen manager
-Service manager
-Assistant general manager
-General manager
-Field leader

Average Salaries at Chipotle

Since Chipotle offers hundreds of job positions requiring different levels of experience, it’s hard to talk about an average salary.

Some people are paid by the hour, while others are paid a yearly salary.

For example, the average wage for a crew member is around $14 per hour. Cooks typically make between $14 and $15 per hour, while kitchen and shift managers earn $16-17 per hour.

According to the salary compensation website Payscale, Chipotle employees make between $9.41 and $16.96 on average. The average salary is $61,886 per year, however that figure primarily applies to general managers and higher.

Did you know? In 2020, the national average income was around $53,000.

Does Chipotle Do Background Checks?

Yes, Chipotle does background checks before hiring someone. Of course, the company will ask for permission to perform the background check during the application process.

Keep in mind that just because Chipotle does background checks doesn’t mean there’s no chance someone with a felony will get hired.

Although Chipotle doesn’t have an official policy when it comes to hiring felons, the company has been known to employ them.

Per the company, anyone is welcome to apply. Lying or trying to hide the past won’t make you look good in the employer’s eyes.

Does Chipotle Do Drug Testing?

Chipotle doesn’t state whether or not it does drug testing. However, many employees say they have been tested for drugs in the later stages of the hiring process.

The Hiring Process at Chipotle

If you want to work for Chipotle, it’s vital to learn more about the company’s hiring process, regardless of whether you’re a felon.

Application

The first step of the hiring process is applying for a job. Chipotle posts job ads on its official website and many other hiring websites.

Most people apply online, but you can also take your CV or resume directly to the restaurant if you prefer to deliver it to someone in person.

Applying for a specific job usually takes 20-30 minutes. Be sure to fill out every part and be honest about your education and experience. Lying is never a good option.

Interview

If Chipotle finds your application interesting, someone from HR will reach out to you to schedule an interview. The interview can be in-person or via video.

If you want the job being offered, you should prepare for the interview. Do some research, see what Chipotle looks for in an employee, and be prepared to answer questions regarding your past, education, experience, hobbies, etc.

You should also think about what questions you’d like to ask the hiring manager.

Post-Interview

Sometimes, the hiring manager will give you a job offer immediately after the interview. If this doesn’t happen, don’t worry; the interviewer may need a few days to decide, depending on the number of candidates.

The Pros and Cons of Working at Chipotle With A Felony Conviction

Before applying for a job at Chipotle, it’s vital to consider the pros and cons of working there. Here are a few pointers that could help you decide whether Chipotle is the best choice for you:

The Pros of Working at Chipotle

There are numerous advantages of working at Chipotle:

Benefits

Chipotle believes in taking care of its employees and offers amazing benefits. Some benefits include bonus options, education assistance, paid time off, a 401(k) program, healthcare, gym membership discounts, etc.

Free Meal

Chipotle crew members can enjoy one free Chipotle meal per shift. One meal means an entrée, a drink, and a side. This can be a small but a helpful boost to your income, as you will not have to worry about buying lunch everyday.

Flexibility

Many Chipotle locations allow you to customize your schedule by selecting the days you’re available so that you can enjoy a work-life balance.

If you are looking for the most flexibility from a job, consider working on-line.

The Cons

Now that we’ve discussed the advantages, it’s important to check out the potential drawbacks of working at Chipotle.

Stressful

The food and beverage industry can be very stressful. Since Chipotle restaurants can get frequently busy, you should be prepared for long lines and handling a lot of orders.

Working During Weekends and Holidays

If you’re applying for a restaurant position, you’ll likely have to work some weekends and holidays.

Chipotle Employee Reviews

Companies tend to advertise the positions they offer in the best possible light. That’s why many people prefer reading reviews from current and former employees. This allows them to get a better picture of what they can expect.

“I started this job with zero experience. Two years later, I advanced from a restaurant crew member to a certified trainer. I appreciate that Chipotle likes to promote from within the company.

In these two years, I’ve gained immense knowledge of how restaurants work, and I’m happy to pass it on to my coworkers.” Lea, indeed.com.

“I’ve been working at a Chipotle restaurant for 3 years now, and I love it. We do get busy but we pull through thanks to the amazing coworkers and management.” Josh, indeed.com.

“If you’re not used to working with people, you’ll find working at a Chipotle restaurant stressful at times, especially when it’s really busy. I don’t enjoy the stress, but I love the benefits Chipotle offers. Not many restaurant chains offer such incredible benefits. Ann, glassdoor.com.

Did you know? The founder of Chipotle, Steve Ells, isn’t just a great businessman; he’s also a professional chef. Ells went to the Culinary Institute of America.

Enjoy Your Second Chance at Chipotle

Although Chipotle doesn’t offer specific programs for felons, the company is open to hiring them. Still, whether or not a felon will get hired depends on the job position, the nature of the felony, and the person’s experience and qualifications.

As long as you’re honest, hardworking, and people-oriented, you’ll have a good chance of landing a job at Chipotle.