Wexford Developments announces new dining projects coming to Tempe

Wexford Developments, the real estate investor and developer behind Mill Avenue’s revitalization, announced a signed lease with a new cocktail concept that will be coming to its CenterPoint asset in downtown Tempe.

The concept is the brainchild of Julian Wright, owner of Pedal Haus, Devil’s Hideaway and other successful brands on Mill Avenue, a press release explained.

Taking over the former Anoche Cantina space at CenterPoint, which occupies about 4,554 square feet, the new concept is an elevated tropical Mexican-themed restaurant and bar featuring a selection of agave-based cocktails, two large patios and two outdoor bars. The bar will be open for lunch, happy hour and evenings.

“Having successfully opened Canteen Modern Tequila Bar in this location in 2010, I'm excited to reimagine the space and bring it back to life, giving locals and travelers alike another reason to spend time in downtown Tempe,” Wright said in the release.

His new lease for the space went into effect June 1, and the new concept is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.

“Julian Wright is a well-established restaurant and bar operator and has a very successful track record in downtown Tempe and Phoenix,” said

Sam Gordon, co-founder of Wexford Developments, said in the release that Wright is an established restaurant and bar operator who has been successful in his projects in downtown Tempe and Phoenix.

“His new concept will add to everything we are doing to bring a new elevated and upscale experience to Mill Avenue,” Gordon said.

Pretty Decent Concepts, the high-end restaurant group behind Wren & Wolf, Trophy Room and Carry On, is also leasing the 7,700-square-foot space on the corner of University Drive and Mill Avenue, the release noted.

The group is doing two concepts in this location including an upscale restaurant and speakeasy. The tenant is underway with construction and expects to open for business in the first quarter of 2025, and more details will be released closer to opening.

In addition, Wexford Developments is currently working on several other major restaurant leases for this property and will have additional announcements to make in the coming months, the release stated.

Wexford Developments purchased the property, which consists of 127,000 square feet and is a mix of retail, office space and movie theater, in 2019.  The asset is situated on 6.2 acres of land in the heart of downtown Tempe.