A popular Tower Grove South coffee spot is getting new life this fall. Upshot Coffee, a Cottleville-based roaster, will launch a new concept called Upshot Coffee Flyby in September at 3172 Morgan Ford Road, the current home of Road Crew Coffee.
The opening marks Upshot’s fourth location and its first in the city. The new café will bring the company’s signature coffee and an expanded menu while preserving the cycling culture that has defined Road Crew for its loyal community.
Road Crew Coffee will operate through Sept. 1, hosting bike-related community events and offering in-store discounts throughout August. After a brief closure, Flyby is scheduled to debut Sept. 12 and plans to retain much of Road Crew’s current staff.
The shop’s name, “Flyby,” nods to a racing term for overtaking a competitor on a turn, a subtle homage to the cycling roots of the space.
Road Crew owner Andi Zekthi, who is stepping back to pursue new business opportunities, expressed support for the transition. “We’re very happy to be working with Upshot and excited where they’re going to take the space and the community,” Zekthi said. “We will stick around for community events, cycling team, group rides, run club – all of it.”
Upshot partners Eric Peters and Conor Vanbuskirk said they aim to honor the foundation Zekthi built while enhancing the offerings. “We’re 100 percent committed to maintaining Road Crew’s cycling culture and community,” Peters said. “We’re proud to become the title sponsor of the Road Crew Cycling Team and keep the weekly group rides going strong.”
Peters added that Flyby reflects Upshot’s passion for creating distinctive neighborhood spots. “We love creating unique and exciting spaces for our neighborhoods to enjoy ethically sourced specialty coffee and damn good, real food,” he said. “We are excited to express that through-line with our new beer and wine menu for the first time at Flyby. Flyby is Upshot. Pressing copy-paste would be easier for us no doubt, but all of our cafés have their own soul, yet all of them are an expression of Upshot and the values we share. We are looking forward to carrying on and growing the rich community that Road Crew has cultivated over the past several years.”
The expanded menu will showcase fan favorites like the Brake Shop Burrito and Avocado & Stuff Toast, alongside new lunch items like The Bada Bing hoagie stacked with capicola, pepperoni and mortadella. A selection of Kyoto cold brews, Berry Sparklers, and specialty drinks like the Orange Cardamom Tonic and Blueberry Smash will complement espresso classics from cortados to lattes.
Flyby will also introduce a beer, wine and brunch cocktail program, featuring espresso martinis, Brake Shop Bloody Marys and Motor Mimosas. Guests can grab a cold beer from the “garage fridge,” stocked with options like Cloud City Hazy IPA, Montucky Lager and Busch Light, or enjoy a glass of Bariano Prosecco or Poggio Anima Sangiovese.
Founded in Cottleville, Upshot Coffee also has locations in St. Charles and Clayton. Known for its creative drinks, baked goods and community focus, the company said Flyby is its next step in connecting with St. Louis city coffee lovers.
This article appears in July 2025.