Wingstop: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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Wingstop: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Wingstop is one of the fastest-growing quick-service restaurant chains in the country, with more than 3,000 locations and tens of thousands of employees across its franchise system. Whether you're applying for your first restaurant job or returning to the workforce, understanding what to expect from the Wingstop hiring process can help you prepare. This article covers everything you need to know about the Wingstop background check process, drug testing policies, whether Wingstop hires people with felony records, and how the overall hiring process works.

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Wingstop: Company overview

Wingstop was founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, with a menu built around boldly flavored chicken wings. The chain has since grown into one of the most recognized names in fast-casual dining, with headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Wingstop operates more than 3,000 locations across the United States and internationally, and trades publicly on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol WING.

The company operates on a franchise-heavy model, with approximately 98% of its locations owned and operated by independent franchisees. This structure means that while Wingstop sets brand standards at the corporate level, individual franchise operators manage their own hiring, HR policies, and day-to-day operations. The system employs tens of thousands of workers across corporate and franchise locations.

Company culture and employee programs:

Flexible scheduling options suited to students and part-time workers
Entry-level positions with opportunities to advance into shift lead and management roles
On-the-job training provided - no prior restaurant experience required for crew positions
Team-oriented work environment with a focus on speed and hospitality
Some franchise operators offer employee meal discounts and other location-specific perks
Management development tracks available at many locations for career-minded employees

Wingstop background check FAQs

Does Wingstop do background checks?

Yes. Background checks are standard practice for most positions across the Wingstop system. Because the vast majority of Wingstop locations are independently owned and operated by franchise partners, the specific screening requirements can vary from one location to another. Most locations conduct background checks as part of pre-employment screening, particularly for roles involving cash handling, food safety responsibilities, or management duties. Candidates should expect that a background check will be part of the hiring process when applying to Wingstop.

How long can a Wingstop background check take?

Three to five business days is a typical turnaround time for a Wingstop background check, though the actual timeline can vary based on several factors. For more context on what affects screening timelines, see background check turnaround times.

Factors that can affect how long the process takes include:

The number of counties, states, or countries included in the criminal history search
Delays in court record retrieval from jurisdictions that require manual searches
The need for employment or education verification for management-level candidates
Volume of background check requests being processed at the time
Whether additional information or documentation is requested from the candidate

What does a Wingstop background check look for?

A Wingstop background check typically reviews several categories of information depending on the role being filled:

Identity verification: An SSN trace confirms the candidate's identity and surfaces addresses associated with the Social Security number, which helps determine which jurisdictions to search.
Criminal history: Searches typically include county, state, and national criminal databases, as well as the sex-offender registry and global watchlists to screen for sanctions, terrorist designations, or other disqualifying records.
Employment verification: For management or supervisory roles, prior employment history may be verified to confirm job titles, dates of employment, and eligibility for rehire.

How far back can Wingstop's background check go?

Seven years is a common lookback period for criminal history searches, though this can vary depending on the state where the position is located and the nature of the role. Some states have laws that limit how far back an employer can look or restrict when criminal history can be considered in the hiring process. "Ban-the-box" laws in certain jurisdictions also affect the timing of when an employer can ask about criminal history or run a background check during the hiring process.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how employers use consumer reports, including background checks, in hiring decisions. Key candidate protections under the FCRA include:

Employers must obtain your written authorization before running a background check
You must be provided with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights if adverse action is being considered
You have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information in your background check report
Employers must follow a pre-adverse and adverse action notification process before making a final decision based on background check results
You have the right to know the name and contact information of the CRA that produced the report

Does Wingstop drug test?

Drug testing policies at Wingstop vary by franchise location. Because the vast majority of Wingstop restaurants are independently owned and operated, there is no single system-wide drug testing policy. Some franchise operators conduct pre-employment drug tests as part of their standard screening process, while others may not. Candidates should ask directly at the specific location where they are applying to find out whether a drug test will be required. Roles with greater safety responsibilities or management positions may be more likely to include drug testing as part of pre-employment requirements.

Does Wingstop hire felons?

It depends. Wingstop and its franchise operators do not have a universal policy that automatically disqualifies all applicants with felony records. Each application is generally reviewed on an individual basis, taking into account the nature of the conviction, how much time has passed, and the responsibilities of the role being filled. Convictions related to theft, violent offenses, or food safety violations may receive greater scrutiny given the nature of restaurant work. Fair chance hiring principles and "ban-the-box" laws in certain states affect how and when criminal history can be considered during the hiring process, and some jurisdictions require individualized assessment before an employer can take adverse action based on a criminal record.

What is the Wingstop hiring process?

The Wingstop hiring process typically follows these steps, though the details can vary by franchise location:

Submit an online application through the Wingstop careers website or apply in person at a local restaurant
Application is reviewed by the hiring manager or franchise operator
Qualified candidates are contacted for an in-person or phone interview with the restaurant manager
A conditional offer of employment is extended to selected candidates
Candidate provides written consent for a background check
Background check is initiated (and a drug test administered if required by that location)
Onboarding and orientation upon successful completion of screening

What are Wingstop's job requirements?

Wingstop job requirements vary depending on the role, but the following generally apply across most positions:

Minimum age: Crew member positions typically require applicants to be at least 16 years old; some roles, including positions involving certain equipment or alcohol service where applicable, may require applicants to be 18 or older
Prior experience: No prior restaurant or food service experience is required for entry-level crew positions; Wingstop provides on-the-job training
Food handler permit: Some states and municipalities require food handler certification or a food handler card, which may need to be obtained before or shortly after starting work
Availability: Wingstop locations operate during lunch, dinner, and late-night hours; availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays is commonly required
Physical requirements: The role involves standing for extended periods, lifting supplies and food products, and working in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Order your own background check

If you want to review what a background check might show before you apply, Checkr offers personal background check services for individuals. A personal background check can include:

Criminal history searches including SSN trace, sex-offender registry, global watchlists, and national, county, state, and federal criminal databases

Visit Checkr Personal Background Checks to learn more, or create a Checkr Profile to store and share your background check results with potential employers.

Are you a candidate with an open background check with Checkr?

If you have an open background check in progress, you can track its status and manage your information through the Candidate Portal or get support through the Checkr Help Center.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.