Small businesses tend to come and go throughout the holiday season and the first months of the new year, and this year, Hayes Valley was no exception. Towards the end of 2015, we saw Will Leather Goods take over Zonal's old spot, Seldom Seen open on Octavia next to Cafe La Vie, and Little Gem take over the first floor of the new development on Grove and Gough. On the eastern end of Hayes, Linus Bikes and Kit and Ace both opened.

Photo: Nuala Sawyer/Hoodline

But despite all the new growth in the neighborhood, we've recently had to say goodbye to a longstanding business. Flipper's Gourmet Burgers closed its doors earlier this week, after 20 years in the neighborhood. The restaurant is being taken over by the owners of Brass Tacks, located next door. So far, they've been mum about their plans. 

Photo: Nuala Sawyer/Hoodline

In contrast to Flipper's long legacy, Mountain Up, which just opened last November in an old architecture office at 357 Grove, appears to already have closed its doors. The store sold branded outdoor gear, such as bags, water bottles and jackets.

Photo: Ed U/Yelp

The One Sushi on Gough Street now has a new name, owners, and menu. Now called Tsubasa Sushi, its small list of dishes is already garnering five-star Yelp reviews, and its fish is rumored to be imported from Japan. 

Photo: True Cup

True Cup' is still on track to open up in 8 Octavia, and the sake bar's Instagram feed hints that it's getting close. We reached out to the owners, and were told that they're shooting for a late March opening. 

Photo: Straw

Last but not least, Hayes Valley's carnival-inspired restaurant Straw celebrated five years in the neighborhood this week. "What an amazing journey—thank you to our fans and customers!" they wrote on Twitter. 

Any other Hayes Valley businesses you've been wondering about? Let us know in the comments, and we'll follow up.