Fox Restaurant Concepts is kicking off the new year with two new restaurants at Novus Place in Tempe, bringing fresh, feel-good food alongside vibrant Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. Flower Child will open its doors on Feb. 4, followed by Blanco Cocina + Cantina on Feb. 5.
Flower Child and Blanco will stand side by side, offering Novus Place visitors everything from healthy, fast-casual bowls and wraps to tacos, tequila and a lively atmosphere—all within steps of one another. Novus Place is the dynamic, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use district at the heart of the 355-acre Novus Innovation Corridor, seamlessly integrated into ASU’s campus.
“When we opened Culinary Dropout in Tempe almost a decade ago, we witnessed firsthand the city’s incredible energy and potential,” said Sam Fox, founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts in a statement. “Novus Place is now raising the bar even further, serving as a beacon for downtown Tempe, the ASU campus and the community at large. This location perfectly captures the momentum driving us to expand our footprint here—Tempe’s vibrancy has never been stronger.”
Known for its simple, soul-satisfying mission of serving up positivity and wholesome eats, Flower Child’s menu caters to all lifestyles, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and everything in between. Dishes include the Mother Earth Bowl with ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette and hemp seed; the oh-so-creamy Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese with aged white cheddar and parmesan; the Chicken Enchiladas with guajillo chile, smoked gouda, poblano cream, organic black bean, roasted corn and avocado; The Rebel Wrap with grass-fed steak, charred onion, Port Salut cheese, arugula and horseradish yogurt; and the Brussels Sprouts & Organic Kale Salad with red grape, organic apple, pink grapefruit, white cheddar, smoked almond and apple cider vinaigrette. Guests can stop in to enjoy the good vibes or order online or through the app for fast and easy takeout.
Following closely on Flower Child’s heels, Blanco Cocina + Cantina will welcome guests into a laid-back yet energetic space where bold Mexican flavors and creative cocktails take center stage. From house-made corn tortillas and fresh-squeezed margaritas to menu staples like the Tiger Shrimp Fajitas with spicy garlic butter; a variety of tacos like slow-cooked BBQ Pork with roasted corn slaw, pickled onion and crema fresca; and twists on Sonoran-style classics like the Roasted Poblano Chile & Tomato Cheese Crisp, and the Short Rib Machaca Chimichanga (made “Sam Style” by adding a crunchy taco), to name a few.
Blanco’s bar program is overflowing with seasonal margaritas, infused tequilas and so much more. Must orders? The house-favorite Dodge’s Cadillac—crafted with Casa Noble Blanco, Grand Marnier and house naranja liqueur—and the Tamarindo Mule, a spicy mashup of tamarind, ginger beer and fresh-squeezed lime. Mezcal and tequila flights, plus refreshing agua frescas, round out the drink offerings.
Flower Child Tempe (737 S. Novus Place) is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina Tempe (717 S. Novus Place) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday – Thursday) and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour kicks off every weekday from 2-5 p.m., setting the perfect mood for mid-afternoon sips and bites.
