What’s new in Tempe this week?
Downtown Tempe just picked up two new reasons to head to Mill Avenue. Roman God of Fire, celebrity chef Scott Conant’s wood-fired Italian restaurant, opened Friday, August 7, 2026 at 52 E. Rio Salado Parkway, right on the waterfront. And a few minutes east, Black Rock Coffee Bar opened its newest Valley store the very same day at 1765 E. University Drive. Here’s what to know about both.
By Dr. Kevin Shufford | August 9, 2026
Roman God of Fire brings wood-fired Rome to the Tempe waterfront
If you’ve walked past the corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway lately, you’ve probably noticed the arches and statues going up. That’s Roman God of Fire, and after three years in the works, it officially opened its doors on August 7. It’s the newest concept from Pretty Decent Concepts, the local team behind Filthy Animal, built as a collaboration with award-winning chef Scott Conant, who has been cooking Italian food for more than 40 years.
The space is big and theatrical. It runs 8,000 square feet, designed by Peter Bowden of PETERMAX Design, with cathedral-like arches, Roman statues, and details meant to make you forget you’re in the desert. The food leans into the soulful, simple side of Roman cooking: handmade pastas and wood-fired dishes. Think Rigatoni Carbonara, Gnudi alla Gricia, Lamb Abbacchio, an Octopus Pie, and crisp Roman-style pizzas.
You’ll find it right on the downtown waterfront near Tempe Town Lake, an easy walk from the light rail and the rest of Mill Avenue. Reservations are already open, and the early crowds have been steady. Phoenix New Times has a full photo tour of the interior if you want a look before you go.
Also new this week: Black Rock Coffee Bar’s Tempe store
If a Roman feast feels like a lot for a Tuesday, there’s a lower-key opening close by. Black Rock Coffee Bar celebrated the grand opening of its new Tempe location on August 7 at 1765 E. University Drive. The Pacific Northwest chain leaned into the launch with $3 medium drinks all day and a signature grand-opening sticker giveaway that carried into the weekend. It’s a handy new stop if you’re near ASU or heading up University.
Why this matters if you love Tempe
New spots like these are one more reason Tempe keeps drawing people in. When a chef with Scott Conant’s résumé picks your downtown for his next restaurant, it tells you something about where the energy is heading. If you’re curious what it’s actually like to live near Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, or anywhere in the East Valley, that’s my world. Reach out any time and we can talk about it.
Dr. Kevin Shufford holds a PhD in Communication and is a professor who teaches how to have healthy relationships, skills he brings to his real estate practice. As a licensed real estate agent and mortgage loan officer serving the Phoenix metro and Southern California, Kevin operates as The Property Professor under Real Broker and One Real Mortgage. Work with Kevin at thepropertyprofessor.blog or call 480-725-4658.
Sources: Mouth by Southwest, Phoenix New Times, ABC15, and Black Rock Coffee Bar’s opening announcement.
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