Whataburger is a fast-food chain that is only located in the southern part of the United States. This privately held restaurant stands apart from the rest with its easily distinguished A-framed orange-and-white-strip-roofed buildings. Many teens, and felons, turn to this family-run restaurant chain for jobs.

Hoping to benefit this is a family-run business, many felons may apply here to become a productive member of society. It’s important that felons take steps to reintegrate as this has been proven that it will reduce the chances of them re-offending. This not only saves the courts time and money, but it also allows felons to rejoin society and be productive.

About Whataburger

Harmon Dobson was inspired to create a one of a kind fast-food burger place. A restaurant that serves the biggest and the best burgers in Texas.

Starting in 1950, Harmon Dobson And Paul Burton opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. Then in 1951, Burton pulled out of the partnership because of a disagreement on the menu price.

Working through the ‘50s and ‘60s Dobson continued to grow the business opening the first of the A-framed orange-and-white-stripe-roofed buildings synonymous with the name. By 1962 the company added French fries and hot pies to the menu. With the company’s continued growth they have opened new stores in Arizona, New Mexico and more in Texas reaching 40,000 employees as of June 2019.

After the initial probation period, they offer regular pay increases, dental insurance, and paid vacation time to employees who have been there for over a year. Plus, as an added benefit they are always looking to promote from within.

From the research I have done, it seems like a face-paced work environment with a company that cares about its employees. Reasonable benefits, regular pay increases, and working for management that cares about its employees, all lead to people saying that it is a real joy to work for the Dobson family.

Does Whataburger Hire Felons?

After looking around and reading a few different articles online, I found conflicting information on this. On the one hand, people say that they do not hire felons and are strict.

On the other hand, people are saying that they will hire felons as long as the crime did not involve theft, weapons, or violence. So I would assume that it is case-specific and if enough time had passed since the conviction, you still might be able to get a job.

Does Whataburger run background checks?

All applicants to Whataburger have to submit everything online and as part of the application and give permission for a background check. There is no hiring manager to speak with and state on their website “Whataburger will contact you if you meet the qualifications for the position.”

Whataburger uses a company FCRA to run their background checks. They are a highly efficient company that uses an extensive check that looks at 6 aspects of your background.

Careers at Whataburger

Whataburger seems to be a great opportunity for those just starting out or just rejoining the workforce. With higher than average pay, benefits, and the opportunity to progress in the company one could quickly find themselves in a salaried position.

They break down the management of each restraint into five positions. Tema member, team leader, manager, general manager and above the store. The team member is the face of the company and interacts with the guests. They take orders, prepare and deliver food. They also keep their station clean and organized.

The team leader is there to support all team members, jumping in and giving an extra hand wherever needed. They also act as quality control, ensuring the quality of food served and that they meet cleanliness standards.

The manager has quite a few responsibilities and is the lowest level of the salaried position. They order the food for the week, are in charge of scheduling, screen applications for new hires, and do the daily money drops making sure that all the registrar tills are correct.

The general manager shares some of the same responsibilities as the manager such as the ordering, hiring, scheduling, and the money drops. They are also responsible for the overall operation of the store, overseeing all team members and helping them develop the skills necessary for their positions.

Lastly, there is the above store position. They act as the regional manager ensuring that their set area is preforming and hitting all goals set by corporate.

Application Process At Whataburger

To apply to Whataburger go to https://whataburger.com/Careers/Restaurant and fill out the application. After creating a login and agreeing to a background check, fill out the application for the position that you wish to apply. After that, Whataburger will contact you if you meet the qualifications.

This is where things might get a little tricky if you are a felon. Whataburger does not give any contact information for the hiring managers. I’m sure this is to keep them from getting a million calls each day about applications, keeping them from their other responsibilities.

I would suggest going into the store that you applied to, on a weekday during off-hours, and ask to speak with the manager. They screen the applications.

If you can speak to them, explain your past. Everyone makes mistakes and hopefully, they will see that you are trying to do well for yourself and are motivated to do the job.

Also, remind them of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit which gives employers a maximum of $2,400 for each ex-felon hired. Show persistence and show how you would add value to the company.

Application Links

Company: https://whataburger.com/home

Careers: https://whataburger.com/Careers/Restaurant