Cheers to 50 Years: Meet the DTPHX Bartender of the Century

Fifty years ago, Rhonda Showman stepped foot behind the bar, pouring the first drink of a decades-long bartending career in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. 

What began in 1975 at the historic Adams Hotel, now the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, has become a remarkable legacy that mirrors the city’s own evolution.

Five decades, countless cocktails, and an untold number of stories later, Rhonda is celebrating a monumental work anniversary with the Renaissance. We sat down with the woman who’s seen it all, peering into the archives that hold enough stories to fill several scrapbooks and leave a lasting impression on our community.

Setting the Scene: The First Pour (1975)

Rhonda and handcrafted beverages go *way* back.  

"When I was around six or seven, my dad took me into a bar in South Dakota and ordered me a maraschino-topped cherry Coke. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The bar was dark and smoky, and the smell of beer, the juke box, and the red leather booths... I thought to myself, ‘Well, this is it.’ I was drawn to the bar. And here I am, over fifty years later. It's meant to be.” 

This cherry-fueled exchange piqued young Rhonda's initial interest in the world of food and beverage.

Fast-forward back to 1975, a year characterized by disco, pop culture, and—on a local level—the restoration of Downtown’s iconic Rosson House. For Rhonda, it was the year she established a career within the bustling hospitality industry.

Since then, she has had an intimate view of Downtown Phoenix reinventing itself, not only watching the city grow but, in a way, growing up with it.

Reminiscing with Rhonda: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Over the decades, you’ve probably seen Downtown Phoenix change a lot. How has the city’s evolution shaped your experience, and what changes stand out the most?

“When I started working in Downtown Phoenix, it was a completely different city. Today’s high rises and office towers were once [home to] Newberry's, Switzer's, and all the department stores. I experienced the third rendition of the Adams Hotel, from its reopening in 1975 to the rebranding of the Renaissance Hotel in 2014. One of the most significant transformations happened with the arrival of the light rail, student life, and major arenas. These developments brought life back to the city.”

Through every season of change, Rhonda recalls the countless memorable moments and encounters that have stuck with her the most over the years.  

One happy hour-long conversation is not nearly enough time to uncover fifty years of rendezvous with colleagues, everyday guests, and the occasional celebrity. Still, if you ever get to share a drink with this local legend, you're sure to leave with at least one more fascinating story than you came in with.

Do you have a favorite story or memory from someone you’ve served over the years?

“Anytime something exciting happens at work, I put it in a scrapbook. After guests check in, they get a drink and some stories. I’ve waited on a lot of movie stars: "Pistol" Pete [Maravich] before he passed away, Jesse Owens every Thursday when he came in with his Rotary club, Mrs. Betty Ford (whose signature I tore off of the check for safe keeping), Burt Bacharach, who I had a crush on at the time (that’s a whole other story), George Burns was one of my absolute favorites. I treasure all the memories I’ve kept a piece of [in my scrapbooks] over the years.”

Stories and experiences like these are just a glimpse into what’s made Rhonda’s journey so special and fuels her passion for what she does. 

The Legacy that Follows a Half-Century in Hospitality 

Fifty years is a long time to work in any career field. Such longevity is especially rare in the hospitality industry.   

So, what’s the secret to showing up day after day, decade after decade?   

For Rhonda, the people she’s met and the close community she's formed have made every day something to look forward to.

What has kept you inspired and passionate about your work for half a century? 

“I never planned to be here for this long. I played it by ear every year. After being confined at home for a month during the pandemic, I decided that lifestyle wasn’t for me. I learned that I find joy in being around and meeting new people — hearing different stories and experiences from all walks of life."

"My team truly feels like one big happy family, and being part of this close community keeps me coming back. I met my husband here in 1976, and it’s been a family affair ever since. That’s another reason why it’s so hard to leave: so much personal history is tied to it. There’s been so much history here.”

Having spent a lifetime finding inspiration in the people around her, Rhonda has played a significant role in cultivating an inviting atmosphere and a foundation built on genuine connections and the infectious warmth she’s shared with so many. 

As you reflect on this milestone, what legacy do you hope to leave with your colleagues, guests, and the Downtown community?

“I've learned a lot about making people feel genuinely welcome, whether by simply thanking them when they come in, or remembering their ‘usual’ orders. I hope the fun traditions I've created will live on, like my ‘Rhonda’s Regulars’ business card, which offers 20% off your meal. If I notice someone visiting a few times, I’ll give them my card and let them know they're now one of my regulars. It's like you can get a drink anywhere, but you come here because you know you’ll have a great interaction with whoever is working.”

As Downtown Phoenix continues to grow and evolve, Rhonda’s decades of devotion to her craft leave a lasting impression that will continue to inspire future generations.

Tucked into the heart of the city, the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is more than a place to stay; it’s a reflection of the people who bring it to life. For years, Rhonda Showman has helped it flourish, fostering an environment that echoes Downtown’s spirit of innovation, hospitality, and community.

Cheers to 50 years!

Check out some bonus content of Rhonda on Instagram, where she shares some fun facts while making her signature drink, My Darling Rhonda.