PHOENIX — The scent of freshly baked artisan breads will soon waft down the streets of downtown Tempe.

Proof Bread, a family-run bakery known for sourdough, croissants and seasonal creations inspired by Arizona agriculture, is opening at 699 S. Mill Avenue on Saturday.

As part of their grand opening festivities, the venue will offer complimentary sourdough Pain au Chocolat to the first 50 guests through the door. The celebration will feature live performances from local DJs, community vendors and a raffle with a $100 gift card up for grabs.

The team also plans to bake the largest baguette their oven can accommodate, which will be ceremonially sliced with attendees during the opening event.

Proof Bread is the first of three new retailers opening in downtown Tempe this month.

What are the other new retailers opening along shores of Tempe Town Lake?

Next up is Green Corner, a Middle Eastern restaurant set to open at 778 S. College Avenue, offering kebabs, gyro, chicken shawarma and savory pastries. Seven years ago, it made Yelp’s top-100 places to eat list.

Rounding out the trio is Rush Bowls, which will serve acai and smoothie bowls at 777 S. College Avenue.

A recent announcement from the Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA) said these will diversify the shopping district located along the shores of Tempe Town Lake.

Most of the 165 street-level businesses are locally owned, according to DTA President and CEO Lori Foster.

“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,” Foster said in the announcement.

Another business set to open in downtown Tempe before 2026

In addition to Proof Bread, Green Corner and Rush Bowls, one more retailer will open shop in the district before the year’s end.

Carmen, a restaurant with fresh, coastal flavors from Mexico to Tempe, is set to open at 640 S. Mill Avenue in November.

It’s from the mind of Julian Wright, an ASU graduate who founded Pedal Haus, Idle Hands and Devil’s Hideaway.

This concept will have a relaxed Latin lounge atmosphere with reggae beats on weekends. After 10 p.m., it will shift into a lively nightlife experience as DJs spin eclectic and funky tunes.

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