“We’re Hiring” signs are posted in windows at 33 N. Sarah where Shortwave Coffee will be opening soon. Shortwave, which serves small-batch coffee from women-owned farms, has 2 locations in Columbia, MO, as well as locations in Minneapolis and Tampa.
The site is the former home of Quarrelsome Coffee, which closed abruptly in February 2025.
When it opened, in 2023, Quarrelsome Coffee, above, quickly became a hot spot for SLU students and faculty, as well as CWE neighbors attracted to its delicious coffee–roasted in house–and the handsome, comfortable space, above. The coffee shop appeared to be doing a brisk business right up until its closure.
At the time, I couldn’t find an explanation, but when I saw the hiring signs recently I dove deeper and found an article in SLU’s The University News, which explained the reason. In“Beloved Quarrelsome Coffee closes after 2 years,” which was published at the time of the closure, there was a statement from Quarrelsome owner Mark Schwartz who said that the closure was a very difficult financial decision.
The article confirmed the similar experience of small-business coffee shops elsewhere. That is, that patrons will order a single drink and then sit for hours working on their laptops, leaving little possibility for tables to turn over. The article also reported that some coffee shops have instituted “no laptop” policies, or are asking patrons to limit their time.
I found several excited comments from Mizzou alums posted on Shortwave’s Instagram page about the brand coming to St. Louis. For those who live or work nearby, it will be wonderful to see this handsome space come alive once again.
Shortwave Coffee at 33 N. Sarah between Lindell and Laclede. Check Instagram for updates on when it will open.
I remember back in Berkeley, a guy ordered 1 hot tea, and asked for hot water refills while he spent hours on laptop. not sure how this business model will work–if you deny laptops, then you lose customers, but if not, then no turnover you’re losing money