Upshot Coffee has revealed plans to launch a third outlet in early December at 8401 Maryland Avenue, downtown Clayton. Inspired by Japanese vinyl bars, HiFi by Upshot will serve specialty coffee drinks alongside a breakfast-and-lunch menu featuring sandwiches, toasts, burritos, and pastries.
HiFi by Upshot will occupy the space previously held by Manifest Juice & Broth and Beets & Bones. The compact space, measuring under 1,500 square feet, will accommodate around 20 guests, with the option for outdoor seating to be added later. Upshot partners Conor Vanbuskirk and Eric Peters are targeting a grand opening on December 1.
The Ambiance
The concept for HiFi by Upshot was inspired by Japanese listening bars where superior sound systems create a unique auditory experience. This new location is expected to attract current Upshot patrons to Clayton. “It’s important that our shops reflect the identity of their neighborhoods,” notes Vanbuskirk.
The inviting interior will feature tufted black leather seating, greenery, and an “amazing” rug, with the centerpiece being a vintage hi-fi audio setup. “You’re going to encounter a chic, symmetrical record wall and hi-fi system,” Peters explains. This setup includes vintage equipment from the 1970s and 1980s, such as a Pioneer PL-12D record player, Sansui QRX-5500 receiver, and four classic speakers: two Bowers & Wilkins DM1400s and two Pioneer CS-801s.
Peters is certain that patrons will appreciate how the sound system enriches the ambiance at HiFi. “High-end hi-fi audio brings warmth, clarity, and crispness,” he shares. “The frequencies produced by a good vinyl record played on a quality receiver and speakers create a special, almost transcendent quality… It’s an experience that transports you.”
Expect to hear a barista-curated selection of “eclectic and cool” music, designed to encourage community and conversation among patrons and baristas. “It’ll be a conversation starter every time you visit,” he adds. Customers who bring in a record donation will receive a 25 percent discount on their orders.
The Offerings
Peters, who previously served as president of Coffee Commissary in Los Angeles, collaborated with chef Travis Garcia, a former colleague, to craft the food menu for HiFi by Upshot. Garcia’s offerings, which are also available at Upshot’s St. Charles outlet, include a variety of breakfast and lunch options such as tartines, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and more, complemented by freshly baked pastries from Upshot’s bakery.
“It’s a California-inspired approach to breakfast,” Peters remarks. “Simple and fresh flavors created with quality ingredients yield exciting and crisp tastes.” Among the highlights is a sweet toast topped with creamy ricotta con latte, house-made blackberry jam, lemon zest, and mint chiffonade, all served on seeded multigrain sourdough from Companion Bakery.
Another notable item is the breakfast burrito, featuring tater tots, avocado, bacon, and chipotle. “The griddled cheese on the outside of the burrito makes it really special,” Peters explains. While there are plans for deli sandwiches, they won’t launch with the initial menu. For example, the forthcoming Bada Bing will include Italian meats and a Chicago-style hot giardiniera. “It’s going to be fantastic,” he assures.
HiFi’s coffee menu will highlight “thoughtfully sourced” beans roasted at Upshot’s St. Charles facility. The selections will include seasonal single-origin espressos, single-origin filter coffees, specialty seasonal drinks, and cold brews.
Vanbuskirk emphasizes that while Upshot seeks to give each location a distinct personality, it’s essential that the coffee quality, service standards, and hospitality maintain a consistent identity. “Our aim is for you to feel you’re in an Upshot wherever you are,” he states. “But we don’t want a formulaic clone appearing repetitively.”
The Foundation
HiFi by Upshot will enhance the company’s two existing locations in Cottleville and St. Charles, and Upshot also provides wholesale coffee across the St. Louis area. Vanbuskirk views the Clayton location as an opportunity to bring their offerings closer to the city, and he is confident that HiFi will deliver a distinctive experience that patrons will warmly welcome.
“It’s incredibly thrilling,” he concludes. “There’s a strong demand for coffee in this area. We’re excited to provide a space where people can experience our hospitality and get to know the faces behind Upshot.”
