Jimmy John's: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Jimmy John's was founded in 1983 by Jimmy John Liautaud, who opened his first sandwich shop in Charleston, Illinois, after his father gave him a choice between joining the military or starting a business. The chain began franchising in 1994 and grew steadily over the following decades, expanding to more than 2,600 locations across most U.S. states as well as Canada, El Salvador, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. The company is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, with additional corporate functions based in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2016, private equity firm Roark Capital Group acquired a majority stake in Jimmy John's, and in 2019 the brand became part of Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company also backed by Roark. Today, the vast majority of Jimmy John's locations, roughly 98 percent, are independently owned and operated by franchisees under agreements with Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC. This franchise structure means that hiring, screening, and employment decisions at most locations are made by the individual franchise owner rather than Jimmy John's corporate headquarters.

Jimmy John's restaurants employ sandwich makers, delivery drivers, shift leads, and store managers, with an emphasis on speed and consistency in food preparation. The company markets itself around fresh-sliced meats and cheeses and bread baked fresh throughout the day, and its delivery-focused model means many locations rely heavily on drivers, which can introduce motor vehicle record checks into the screening process for those roles.

Company culture and employee programs: Because Jimmy John's operates almost entirely through independently owned franchises, workplace culture, benefits, and advancement opportunities can vary significantly from one location to another. Many stores offer flexible scheduling suited to students and part-time workers, along with the potential to move from crew positions into shift lead or management roles. Candidates should confirm specific benefits, pay, and policies with the franchise owner operating the location where they are applying, since Jimmy John's corporate does not manage franchisee employment records directly.

Yes. Employers in the quick-service restaurant industry, including Jimmy John's franchise locations, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, employment screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires employers to obtain written consent, provide disclosures, and follow adverse action procedures.

Jimmy John's is generally reported to conduct background checks as part of its hiring process, though because nearly all locations are independently owned franchises, the specific screening policies, vendors, and requirements can vary by franchise owner and location.

The hiring process for crew-level positions at Jimmy John's typically involves submitting an application, a brief interview with the store manager or franchise owner, and an offer contingent on background check results for many locations. Delivery driver roles often include an additional review of the applicant's driving record.

Background check timelines can vary depending on the type of screening requested and how quickly records can be verified. Learn more about typical background check turnaround times to understand what factors can affect the process.

A typical pre-employment background check for a quick-service restaurant role may include:

Under the FCRA, criminal history reporting is generally limited to seven years for most background checks, though state laws may extend or restrict this timeframe depending on the type of record and the applicable jurisdiction.

Hiring decisions involving candidates with criminal records are generally made on a case-by-case basis by the individual franchise owner, taking into account the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and its relevance to the role. Some states and cities have adopted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process.

Candidates can generally expect to provide personal information such as full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with signed consent authorizing the background check, in compliance with FCRA requirements.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that regulates how employers can use background check information in hiring decisions. It requires employers to notify candidates before running a check, obtain written consent, and follow specific adverse action procedures if a decision is made based on background check results.

Delivery driver applicants at Jimmy John's locations can typically expect an additional review of their motor vehicle record, since driving is a core part of the role. This often includes checking for a valid driver's license, moving violations, and any history of DUI or reckless driving convictions, in addition to the standard background check components.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Jimmy John's may see during the hiring process, helping you address any concerns before you apply. A personal background check can include:

Learn more about Checkr Personal Background Checks and explore your Checkr Profile to see what information may appear in your own background check.

If you're a candidate with a background check in progress through Checkr as part of your application to Jimmy John's or another employer, you can check your status through the Candidate Portal. For additional support, visit the Checkr Help Center.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information is for general informational purposes only. Checkr does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. This article may contain links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader. Checkr does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites and disclaims any affiliation with the companies mentioned in this article unless otherwise stated.