Fall brings an eclectic mix of new faces to Tempe, but these days it’s more than just students bringing fresh vibes to Tempe. In the past few months alone, numerous new businesses have opened their doors, bringing an incredible array of flavors, experiences and retail options that add to the ever-expanding energy of the Downtown Tempe district.

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“Downtown Tempe is evolving by balancing the needs and desires of student life with amenities and experiences that cater to a broader, more diverse consumer,” said Lori Foster, President & CEO, Downtown Tempe Authority. “We love our Sun Devils as much as anyone, but the average Tempe resident these days is actually closer to 33 years old, and merchants are increasingly choosing this area due to the broad demographic of patrons they can connect with here.”

Downtown Tempe businesses, the majority of which are locally owned and operated, are the heart and soul of the community. Among the more than 165 street-level businesses, long-standing favorites like Café Boa and Urban Outfitters continue to thrive, while more recent concepts are paving the way for a new era of downtown experiences.

Restaurants and retailers newly opened in Downtown Tempe since July 2025 include:

  • Arizona Pizza Co. (400 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.): Located in Marina Heights, this is a place for pizza and then some, with an eclectic menu featuring breakfast options, pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads, sushi, teriyaki, tacos, burritos, hot breakfast and more. Fresh, locally grown ingredients are part of this merchant’s magic; this is the fourth Valley location but the first in the East Valley. Hours vary slightly with service Monday through Saturday. 
  • Gio’s Organic Coffee (414 S. Mill Ave., #111): Serving delicious Peruvian coffee, tea and an assortment of fresh-made goods, GiO’s Organic Coffee brings a 100-year history of producing organic, fair-trade coffee in the high mountain regions of Villa Rica, Peru, where rich soil produces beans with chocolaty, nutty and fruity notes.
  • Last Rodeo Hat Bar & Bootery (414 S. Mill Ave., #119): This western wear retailer, where classic cowboy culture meets modern flair, is open daily and offers an expansive assortment of boots, hats, buckles, denim, shirts, dresses and more. Shoppers can even create their own unique cowboy or trucker hats at the one-of-a-kind custom hat bar.
  • Method Wellness (401 S. Mill Ave., Historic Andre Building, 2nd Level): Treatments that blend medical expertise, innovation and a touch of luxury bring a refined, intentional approach to modern wellness. From IV therapy and aesthetic injectables to comprehensive laser services, GLP-1 guided weight loss, in-house Ketamine therapy and liposuction, an experienced team is focused on delivering real results that help clients feel balanced, restored and confident inside and out.
  • RiTe Yah Suh (502 S. College Ave., #103): The flavors of the Caribbean are alive in Tempe. RiTe Yah Suh’s menu celebrates the unique tastes from the streets of Portland Jamaica with hearty portions of indigenous foods and authentic sauces, from classic jerk flavors to rich curries and more, all made with heaps of passion. The alluring Jamaican experience will fill your body while lifting your spirit with good vibes and a great atmosphere.
  • Prince Street Pizza (680 S. Mill Ave.): This pizzeria – the first in Arizona but 16th nationwide – is celebrated for its daily scratch-made dough, house-made sauces and commitment to bringing New York’s iconic pizza culture nationwide. They pride themselves on keeping things simple – quality ingredients, time-tested recipes and a menu that’s all about flavor and consistency.
  • Willie’s Taco Joint (511 S. Farmer Ave.): Now serving bold bites and good times in the heart of Tempe, this popular taco joint’s newest location is inside the Vīb Hotel with two unique spaces. In the first-floor lobby, guests can grab tacos, margaritas and more in a laid-back setting, while the rooftop Sky Bar energy and views are unmatched. Open to hotel guests and those taco-hopping through town, Willie’s is a go-to for fresh eats, cold drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.

More businesses are on the horizon, too, as Downtown Tempe continues to attract diverse and versatile concepts that reflect the community’s wants and needs. Among those coming before the end of the year are: 

  • Green Corner (778 College Ave.): At Green Corner, you’ll discover rich traditions of Levantine cooking, a culinary heritage found across Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, which is the native country of chef-owner Ebrahim Takkem. The menu is also filled with tasty favorites like kebabs, gyro and chicken shawarma and specialties like kibbeh (fragrant, crackly bulgur-beef croquettes) and knafeh, a syrup-soaked cheese pastry that’s baked in enormous sheet pans. Anticipated opening: October 2025
  • Proof Bread (699 S. Mill Ave., #117): Born in a garage and raised at Arizona’s farmers’ markets, Proof Bread has grown into one of the Valley’s most beloved artisan bakeries, and it’s now coming to Tempe. Family-run and community-driven, Proof is known for its crusty sourdough loaves, buttery and flaky croissants, and seasonal creations that honor both tradition and Arizona agriculture. Proof is hosting pop-ups on Fridays and Sundays only from 7 a.m. to noon; the store will be open daily starting in October. Grand opening: Saturday, Oct. 11
  • Rush Bowls (777 S. College Ave.): It’s not just a respectful kinship with the Earth; it’s a stubborn romance with health at Rush Bowls, where honest, healthy ingredients are crafted in ways that taste sinfully delicious. With a focus on quality and customization, a diverse menu of acai and smoothie bowls can be made to match your needs, tastes and goals. Anticipated opening: October 2025
  • Carmen (640 S. Mill Ave.): Julian Wright, ASU alumni and founder of Pedal Haus, Idle Hands and Devil’s Hideaway, is bringing fresh, coastal flavors from Mexico to Tempe. Inspired by the tropical allure of Playa del Carmen, the menu will be inspired by the coast, along with agave-based cocktails and cold beer. On weekends, Carmen will offer a relaxed Latin lounge atmosphere with SoCal reggae beats, then after 10 p.m. a DJ will spin eclectic, funky tunes for a lively nightlife experience. Anticipated opening: November 2025