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Catering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

BBQ Holdings

Catering

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

BBQ Holdings

Catering

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

Famous Daves

Catering

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries.

Compass Group

Catering Attendant

Ames, IA · On-site

Catering Attendant We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1564770 The advertised program is an AI recruiting assistant ...

Compass Group

Catering Attendant

Ames, IA · On-site

Catering Attendant We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1564770 . The advertised program is an AI recruiting ...

Compass Group

Catering Attendant

Ames, IA · On-site

Catering Attendant We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1564770 . The advertised program is an AI recruiting ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Windsor Heights, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Market Grille FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Market Grille FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Market Grille FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

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Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$19.65/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time CATERING ATTENDANT position. * Location : John Deere Dubuque Works - 18600 South John Deere Road, Dubuque, IA 52001. Note: online applications accepted only.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Decorah, IA · On-site

* We are hiring immediately for full and part time CATERING ATTENDANT positions. * Location : Luther college - 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule

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All JobsCatering JobsCatering Jobs in Iowa

Catering information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in Iowa is $20.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is catering?

Catering is a service that provides food and beverages for events, gatherings, or organizations, often including preparation, delivery, set-up, and sometimes service staff. Caterers work for a variety of occasions such as weddings, corporate events, parties, and conferences. The service can range from delivering prepared meals to full-service event planning, including menu design, table settings, and cleanup. Catering companies work closely with clients to customize menus and ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.

What is the difference between a caterer and a chef?

The main difference between a caterer and a chef is that a caterer works at private events rather than in a brick and mortar shop. Some caterers begin their careers as chefs and then change to catering full-time. However, there is no rule that you can’t be both. Many chefs run catering businesses on the side or vice versa. Additionally, many have similar training, including culinary or hospitality school. Caterers may also switch careers to become chefs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in catering, you need strong organizational skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in culinary preparation, often backed by a relevant food handling certificate. Familiarity with catering management software, commercial kitchen equipment, and event planning tools is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in dynamic, client-focused environments. These skills ensure events run smoothly, client expectations are met, and food safety and quality standards are maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by catering professionals during large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering professionals often encounter challenges such as managing last-minute changes to guest counts, accommodating dietary restrictions, and coordinating with multiple vendors or event planners. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and flexibility. Establishing clear protocols, maintaining open lines of communication with clients and team members, and preparing contingency plans can help ensure events run smoothly and client expectations are met.

What is the difference between Catering vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCateringFood Service Worker
CredentialsOften requires food safety certifications, catering-specific trainingTypically requires basic food handling permits
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, private parties, corporate eventsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, catering servicesRestaurants, food establishments, hospitality industry
Job FocusPreparing, serving, and managing food at eventsServing customers, food prep, maintaining cleanliness

While both catering and food service workers handle food, catering focuses on preparing and serving food at special events and requires event-specific skills and certifications. Food service workers typically work in restaurants or cafeterias, providing daily customer service. The roles overlap in food handling but differ in environment and scope.

Is catering a good side hustle?

Catering can be a viable side hustle for those with cooking skills, organizational abilities, and customer service experience. It often involves flexible hours and the potential for additional income, but requires managing food safety, permits, and equipment. Success depends on local demand, marketing, and the ability to handle event logistics.

What does a catering job consist of?

A catering job involves preparing, serving, and delivering food and beverages for events such as parties, weddings, or corporate functions. It often requires setting up tables, maintaining cleanliness, and providing customer service, with skills in food safety and time management being important. The work environment can be fast-paced and may involve working evenings or weekends.
More about Catering jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Catering jobs in Iowa?

For Catering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Catering jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Catering jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Catering job openings:

Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,275 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Catering

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

BBQ Holdings
Restaurants • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about BBQ Holdingsexternal

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items need for deliveries and catered events in a timely fashion. Coordinates and set-ups and deliveries. Confirms order details and timing. Serves and suggestively sells drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts in an outgoing, friendly and timely manner so as to "WOW" our Guests. Ensures catering and delivery orders are accurate. Positively represents the Famous Dave's brand. Performs side duties including, but not limited to, answering the phone, bussing tables, washing dishes, cleaning work stations, rolling silverware, expediting orders or running food. Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Interacts verbally with all Guests creating a friendly and upbeat atmosphere. Greets Guests and explains signature items, touring Guests through the menu using concise and articulate language. Listens and responds to Guest questions. Suggestively sells signature items and catering menus. Presents Guest check and accepts a form of payment. Makes correct change and/or completes the proper charge card procedure in a timely manner.
  • Practices teamwork by assisting other servers by running food, greeting other tables, pre-bussing, refilling beverages, and providing assistance to other tables and team members when necessary.
  • Accurately uses the P.O.S. (point of sale) system to clock-in/out, to process/input orders and complete end of shift procedures.
  • Ensures orders are packed accurately and reviews orders with Guest.
  • Set up and tear down of the site for all Famous Dave's service related items (i.e. tables, chairs, tongs, grill, sanitation buckets, cooking utensils, etc.).
  • Prepare catering vehicle with all needed food and service items for catering event.
  • At times may drive catering vehicle to catering event.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education:
    • High School graduate or equivalent preferred
  • Experience:
    • Previous server or restaurant experience preferred
  • Skills/Competencies/Certifications:
    • Reading, writing, basic math and superior communication skills required
    • Understanding of federal, state, and local liquor laws
    • English language and professional communications skills are required
    • Ability to work in a team environment
    • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
    • Must have problem solving abilities, be self-motivated, and organized
    • Commitment to quality service, and food and beverage knowledge
    • Handles multiple priorities; work under stress and exercise good judgment
    • Valid driver's license preferred
BBQ Holdings logo

About BBQ Holdings

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BBQ Holdings is a reputable company primarily operating in the food industry, headquartered in Hopkins, MN, US. The company is committed to providing mouth-watering barbecue offerings that enchant every taste bud. BBQ Holdings focuses majorly on owning, operating, and franchising barbecue restaurants in the US under several brands. The company was initially founded under the name Famous Dave's, a beloved barbeque restaurant, and later broadened its portfolio to include more brands, thus adopting the name BBQ Holdings to reflect its diversity. Every restaurant under BBQ Holdings has a mission to provide guests with genuine, hickory-smoked, and off-the-grill barbecue favorites served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minnetonka, MN, US

Year founded

2019

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