Back in March, we reported that Ziryab was planning to close its doors and that new bar project Horsefeather was poised to take over the space. Nearly two months later, that time has come, as owners Sameer and Salim Nasser closed their doors for good at the end of April.

Although the space will be taken over by Ian Scalzo and Justin Lew, previously of Futurebars, there's no word yet on move-in date or specific details about the cocktail offering or food menu. So far, all we know is that the Lew and Scalzo seek to "keep to the style of the neighborhood and make it approachable," and to provide food that "doesn't price out the locals," while hinting at the possibility of a late-night options.

Although Salim was unavailable for comment at the time, his brother, Sameer, informed us that the family will still run New Star-Ell across the street and remain very much a part of the neighborhood. It should also be noted that the Nassers will continue to own the building at 528 Divisadero.

(Photo: Stephen Jackson / Hoodline)

Zyriab has been a fixture on the Divisadero corridor since it opened in 2006. Back then, the business also offered hookahs to puff on in its street-side outdoor seating area. However, in 2011 San Francisco cracked down on hookah lounges in the city. At that point, the Nassers were forced to eliminate this element of the establishment and reported that this had a negative effect on business.

Then, in 2013, the brothers decided to do a full revamp of the space, remodeling the interior to include a sleek new bar to highlight their extensive new liquor and cocktail offerings. The bar had up until that time been underutilizing its full liquor license, and they hoped to up business with the new and improved space. They also spiffed up the outdoor seating area with new tables, including a large community table, hired Zach Taylor (Hog & Rocks) help with the evolution of their cocktail program, and brought back their original chef.

The newly remodeled bar and restaurant opened in August of 2013, and remained unchanged until Ziryab's closure.

(Photo: Andrew Dudley / Hoodline)

As for Horsefeather, we reached out to Justin Lew and he explained that his and Scalzo's new venture will be entirely their own and something of a departure from the work they did as part of Futurebars (Bourbon & Branch, Rickhouse, Local Edition, Tradition). "The concept will have nothing to do with Prohibition or any specific era for that matter," Lew told us. "As employees [of Futurebars] we followed their successful model. This is our own thing and we aim to create something new."

The team was drawn to the location because Scalzo, although having recently relocated, had lived in the area for seven years, and Lew is currently a resident of 11 years. "We consider this area home," Lew told us. In fact, Lew and Salim are friends and look forward to continuing their relationship as Horsefeather becomes Salim's newest tenant. "He is still very much part of the neighborhood and we look forward to keeping a seat warm for him as our first 'regular' patron," said Lew.

Thanks to Sameer, Salim, and everyone else at Ziryab for all the good times, and welcome to the neighborhood, Horsefeather.