Rhonda Benston Showman is the unofficial ambassador of Phoenix, Ariz. As head bartender at the Dust Cutter restaurant in the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel for the last 48 years, she is always ready to give guests recommendations for the best city sites, museums or restaurants.

She has witnessed the changing ownership and branding of the hotel throughout its history but has happily been the only associate who has stayed true to the hotel and the city. When she first arrived at the hotel in July 1975, she did not think she would stay long in her role as cocktail waitress. She assumed it would be fun for a short time and then she would move on. She later became the hotel’s first female bartender and has stayed because she enjoys meeting new people, learning from their stories and making others feel special.

As the longest-tenured associate, she feels a special kind of ownership of the hotel and will do whatever is necessary to take care of associates and her customers. She will stay late to accommodate a large crowd or take on additional shifts to help an associate who needs time off. Recently, a local law firm invited Rhonda to attend their 40th anniversary party. The law team has visited Rhonda at the Dust Cutter nearly every day for the last 40 years and thought it was only fitting that Rhonda be included in their celebration.

Rhonda has 26 scrapbooks filled with memories of her time at the hotel, including pictures and notes from famous guests—she has served up drinks to Hollywood stars, big business and political leaders and even a renowned bank robber. Former First Lady Betty Ford was a patron of the restaurant years ago and left Rhonda a kind note on her receipt. The next day the Secret Service checked in with Rhonda to ask why she kept Betty’s receipt. For her scrapbook, of course!

The highlight of her years of service, however, has been “Rhonda’s Regulars” – guests who return again and again for Rhonda’s world-class service. She dedicates herself to meeting new guests and then ensuring they want to come back for easy conversation and good drinks. She even created a special drink “The Darling Rhonda” that is one of the biggest selling drinks on the menu.

When asked what advice she would give to a new associate just starting her career, Rhonda replies, “Everyone deserves to feel special. Treat people right and like they are the most special person in the room.”