Drake University-area coffee shop Mars Café, 2318 University Ave., will close on Aug. 18, owner Larry James Jr. announced in a Facebook post yesterday.

Mars opened in 2006 and has been popular among Drake students and others as a place to meet or work. James, an attorney at Hogan Law Office, said in the Facebook note that he is closing the café to be able to better balance his time.

“Apart from Mars, I’m an attorney with a growing practice and a wonderful young family,” he wrote. “My career and kids require more time now, and so it is time to close the café.”

James told the Business Record in a phone interview that “everything’s on the table” when asked if he had considered trying to sell the shop, but declined to comment further.

To see the full Facebook post, click here.