There is a new caffeine signal humming at 33 N. Sarah St., where Shortwave Coffee has quietly slipped into the former Quarrelsome Coffee space in the Central West End. The small-batch roaster kicked off a soft opening on Feb. 14 and is currently serving through a limited service window while the team gets its bearings. For students and neighborhood regulars who already treated that corner like a second living room, the coffee continuum remains very much intact.
Shortwave's Roots And Reach
Shortwave traces its origins to Minneapolis, with the company stating it was founded in 2012 and now listing locations in Minneapolis, Tampa and Columbia. The brand leans into a "receive and transmit" motto and highlights its focus on small-batch roasting and partnerships with women-led farms, according to Shortwave Coffee.
What The Team Says
Ana Manzano, general manager of the new St. Louis shop, told The University News that the Shortwave name nods to shortwave radio and the idea of connecting people across distance. She said the crew hopes to "receive and transmit" the neighborhood's energy as they settle into the Central West End.
Barista Leah Scarpa added that working the register has quickly become the best way to meet regulars and students who are on the hunt for a comfortable place to camp out with laptops and textbooks, according to The University News.
Hiring, Hours And Service
Shortwave is currently hiring, with applications accepted through an online form on its hiring page, according to Shortwave Coffee. Manzano told The University News that the Central West End location is considering expanding its hours as service ramps up and they get a clearer read on customer patterns.
Filling A Familiar Corner
The storefront was previously home to Quarrelsome Coffee, which has since shuttered at that address. Industry listings now mark the spot as closed for Quarrelsome, and Sprudge Maps lists Quarrelsome Coffee at 33 N. Sarah St. as closed.
Looking Ahead
For now, the Shortwave team is focused on settling in, dialing in the drink program and building a base of regulars. The goal, they say, is to offer a comfortable third space for students and neighbors alike. As the soft opening period gives way to full operations, the shop's hours and staff lineup are expected to solidify in the coming weeks.
