FiDi Business Briefs: Home decor store & iconic bench leave neighborhood, plus more closures

FiDi Business Briefs: Home decor store & iconic bench leave neighborhood, plus more closuresA well-known bronze bench in front of Farinelli Decorative Arts has been removed, along with the shop's sign and inventory. | Photo: crispy/flickr
Britta Shoot
Published on July 24, 2020

Here's a brief roundup of recent closures, temporary and permanent, in the Financial District and Union Square during shelter-in-place.

Permanent Closures

Farinelli Decorative Arts (311 Grant)

The former interior of the elaborate furnishings and home accessories store | Photo: courtesy Farinelli Decorative Arts

One of several flashy home decor shops along Grant Avenue selling thick carpets, jade and ivory statues, and crystal chandeliers, Farinelli Decorative Arts has taken down its sign and emptied out its enormous, long-standing storefront at 311 Grant.

Passersby may also notice the shop's iconic bronze bench featuring three monkeys, a favorite for selfies and group photos, has been removed. One fan made an online gallery of various photos taken on the bench over the years.

Mikaku has permanently closed | PHOTO: Britta Shoot/Hoodline

Mikaku, the sushi bar and Japanese restaurant at 323 Grant, is permanently closed. Mikaku is adjacent to Hotel 32One, where a front desk representative confirmed the restaurant will not reopen.

The Veo Optics location at 301 Sutter is also closed. There are leasing signs on the boarded-up ground floor retail space.

The former Veo Optics space is boarded up | PHOTO: Britta Shoot/Hoodline

Temporary closures

Fast-casual Mediterranean spot SINIĀ (322 Kearney) is closed for the time being. SINI stayed open during shelter-in-place, only recently closing its doors "until further notice," according to signs posted at the establishment.

E&O Kitchen & Bar (314 Sutter) has also posted signs that the Union Square Asian bistro has temporarily closed "for the next few weeks," for the health and safety of patrons and staff. No reopening date has been posted.