Des Moines has steadily become a destination for hospitality professionals with help from the local coffee scene and a growing regional economy. For both seasoned latte artists and newcomers eager to master the craft, the city offers a diverse range of employment opportunities across independent neighborhood cafes and major national retailers. Modern service roles in the metro area prioritize high-speed efficiency and deep community connection, making it an ideal environment for those who thrive in fast-paced, social settings.
From the historic East Village to the growing suburbs of West Des Moines and Ankeny, the capital city provides a wealth of options for those seeking a stable career in the service industry. Explore the following companies offering barista positions in the heart of Iowa.
Companies With Barista Jobs in Des Moines, Iowa
- Starbucks
- 7 Brew
- Dunkin’
- Target
- Caribou Coffee
- Twisted Bean Coffee Company
Barista Jobs in Des Moines, Iowa
As a major global name in the coffee industry, Starbucks provides baristas with comprehensive benefits and a structured environment to master handcrafted beverage preparation. Working here involves collaborating with a large team to deliver a consistent experience and engaging with a diverse customer base in a social, retail setting.
Scooter’s Coffee is a growing drive-thru franchise that specializes in speedy service, offering baristas a fast-moving work environment and leadership training opportunities. Employees can expect perks like free specialty drinks on shift and a positive team culture focused on starting every customer’s day with a smile.
Located inside the popular sporting goods store, Ginna’s Cafe at Scheels employs baristas who are responsible for preparing specialty drinks, fudge and baked goods. The company emphasizes professional development and a team-first mentality, providing a unique hospitality environment within a large-scale retail destination.
Ziggi’s Coffee prioritizes community building, tasking its baristas with personalizing guest interactions and maintaining high quality standards even during peak hours. The company offers a hands-on role and supports team members through extensive training and opportunities for growth within the organization.
Baristas at Dunkin’ manage a high volume of orders ranging from signature coffees to seasonal espresso drinks in a busy retail atmosphere. The role emphasizes efficiency and multitasking, making it a solid fit for hospitality professionals who enjoy a steady, active workflow.
Twisted Bean Coffee Company seeks high-energy coffee lovers for its Ankeny and Urbandale locations, offering both full-time and part-time shifts. New hires receive extensive training to master the kitchen and barista stations, ensuring they are prepared to make every guest’s day special.
Baristas at Target operate within in-store Starbucks cafes, merging traditional coffee service with the dynamic pace of a major retailer. This role provides the unique experience of fulfilling both in-person and digital drive-up orders while maintaining food safety standards and an inviting dining area.
Caribou Coffee focuses on creating a welcoming “lodge” atmosphere, where baristas are trained to deliver expert service and quality brews. Employees benefit from a collaborative team culture and the opportunity to share their passion for coffee with a loyal neighborhood following.
Smokey Row Coffee is a local favorite that offers a classic coffeehouse experience, with baristas encouraged to learn regular customers’ names and provide patient, friendly service. Responsibilities include a mix of counter service, food handling and maintaining a clean, community-focused space for Des Moines residents.
7 Brew is known for its high-energy “brew crew,” with baristas preparing customized drinks in a vibrant, outdoor-accessible drive-thru environment. The company offers competitive hourly pay with tips and a clear upward mobility path for those interested in management or regional leadership.
