Back in November, we told you about two businesses in the neighborhood that may have been on the way out. Today, we're checking back in at Noe Street cafe Jumpin’ Java and comic shop Whatever Store to see how things are progressing.

Over at Jumpin’ Java, we spoke again with owner Anna Chen, who told us that there is still some uncertainty about the cafe's future. The owners of the building have not been willing to offer a long-term lease because they are selling the building, and when Jumpin’ Java’s lease runs out in March, it will switch to month-to-month along with a rent increase of $500.

Chen says that due to this increase and the uncertainty of the location, they will be closing the café unless a deal can be struck with any potential new owners of the building.

In the meantime, Jumpin’ Java has been looking around the neighborhood for a potential new location. Having already opened a second coffee shop in the East Bay, Chen said that the stress of owning two businesses, one of which with an uncertain future, has been difficult and that closing Jumpin’ Java is likely.

Heading over to Whatever Store, things are a little bit more positive. After having a difficult 2014 due to a decrease in foot traffic caused by Castro Street Improvement Project (and even holding a "trying not to go out of business" sale late last year), owner Rich Boutell is a little bit more optimistic about 2015.

Asked what his plans are for the future, Boutell told us, "We’re going to stay in the neighborhood as long as people want us here."

January, typically the slowest retail month of the year, has been slow, but Boutell is looking forward to getting to March, when business picks up again. (On that note, Whatever Store is currently having a 50 percent off sale on select comics and t-shirts).

If you'd like to support these two local small businesses, stop by a pick up a cup of coffee or a comic book. We'll keep you posted, especially as a potential closure of Jumpin' Java looms.