These 8 restaurants, including several chain debuts, are coming to Tempe's new dining hub

Arizona State University announced in 2015 plans to transform approximately 300 acres near downtown Tempe into an urban hub of offices, apartments and a hotel. The first phase of the project, called the Novus Innovation Corridor, is now underway, and the first eight restaurants that will open in the development have been announced.

Three of the first eight restaurants announced are from Fox Restaurant Concepts, including outposts of Flower Child, Blanco Cocina + Cantina and North Italia. Additional restaurants will be announced in the coming months.

"Our focus has really been trying to get some good fine dining experiences in Tempe. They might still be casual, like the Fox restaurants, they've got a pretty casual and fun atmosphere, but it's still a high-quality dining experience," said Charley Freericks, senior vice president of Catellus, the project’s developer.

The entire project is expected to take at least 20 years to complete, Freericks said. But the first three restaurants should be open sometime in 2024.

Here's what to expect at the restaurants opening at Novus Innovation Corridor.

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Flower Child

Flower Child's mission is making everything from scratch using fresh ingredients. The health-focused menu includes crushed avocado toast, organic strawberry and roasted beet salad, chicken yakisoba noodles and a vegan "Thai dye" wrap with spicy tofu, Thai basil, avocado, carrots, daikon radish, cilantro and snap peas. Or make your own meal by choosing a protein and two sides such as smashed gold potato or gluten-free mac and cheese.

Details: iamaflowerchild.com.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Blanco Cocina + Cantina will soon bring laid-back tacos and margaritas to Tempe with its new location at Novus. Menu highlights include "Tucson chimichangas", slow-cooked barbecue pork tacos, carne asada fajitas and traditional cheese enchiladas. Pair it with a jalape?o pineapple or smashed strawberry and mandarin margarita, or get a round of Mexican beers for the table.

Details: blancococinacantina.com.

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North Italia

North Italia offers Italian favorites such as prosciutto, spicy meatball or Margherita pizza, a caprese sandwich and pastas like spaghetti and meatballs, butternut squash anolini and chicken parmesan. The restaurant offers over two dozen wines as well as a handful of craft cocktails such as the New Italian Spritz with aperol, citrus smash and prosecco or the Black Fig Manhattan with fig-infused piggyback rye, averna, grand marnier and brandied figs.

Details: northitalia.com.

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Blue Sushi Sake Grill

A national sushi restaurant chain known for its sustainably sourced seafood program and large vegan sushi menu will make its Valley debut in Tempe in 2024. Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers a wide selection of sashimi, nigiri and maki plus specialty cocktails and sake. The restaurant will occupy 6,021 square feet at Novus Place.

Details: bluesushisakegrill.com.

Eureka!

California-based Eureka! will offer gourmet burgers such as The Cowboy, made with shoestring onion rings, bacon, cheddar and beer barbeque sauce or the Double Smash with parmesan-crusted brioche, two patties, American cheese, house pickles, onion and garlic aioli. Eureka! will also offer local craft beers, small-batch whiskeys and craft cocktails.

Details: eurekarestaurantgroup.com.

Over Easy

Over Easy will open its 14th restaurant in the state at Novus Place in Tempe. The popular brunch restaurant offers omelets and benedicts, pancakes, chicken and waffle dishes and sandwiches. Many menu items are also gluten-free and vegan. The Tempe location will occupy 3,154 square feet and include a spacious outdoor patio.

Details: eatatovereasy.com.

The Alley

The Alley tea shop will make its Arizona debut in Tempe, offering signature milk teas and fruit-infused drinks. The Alley makes its own sugar cane syrup and freshly prepared tapioca. The store currently has over 400 locations worldwide.

Details: the-alley.us.

Nautical Bowls

Nautical Bowls is a health-focused concept offering acai bowls that are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based and soy-free. Customers can choose a signature bowl like the Sunrise, made with blue majik, pitaya, granola, banana, strawberries and honey, or a build-your-own custom bowl. The Tempe location will be the franchise's second in Arizona after debuting in Scottsdale earlier this year.

Details: nauticalbowls.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: This metro Phoenix dining hub draws new national chains to Arizona