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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
