Fishers' Culinary Scene Ignites as The Union Adds Premier Restaurants

FISHERS, IN – January 06, 2026 – The Union at Fishers District is rapidly approaching full retail occupancy, solidifying its role as a premier regional destination with the announcement of two major new tenants: the celebrated Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) and the popular healthy-eating concept, Flower Child. The signings, confirmed by developer Thompson Thrift, represent a significant milestone for the final phase of the ambitious Fishers District master plan and signal a new era for the city's burgeoning culinary landscape.

The addition of these high-profile restaurant brands underscores the intense demand for curated dining and lifestyle experiences in one of Indiana's fastest-growing suburbs. With only a few commercial spaces remaining, The Union is poised to become the vibrant, walkable town center envisioned by its developers nearly a decade ago.

"Each new lease underscores the strong demand we're seeing from best-in-class restaurant and retail brands," said Ryan Menard, vice president of development for Thompson Thrift Commercial. "The mix of national, regional and local concepts coming together here will create a dynamic environment that positively impacts both the Fishers community and the broader Indianapolis market."

A New Culinary Anchor for Fishers

The arrival of Cunningham Restaurant Group promises a signature dining experience unique to the Indianapolis-based hospitality giant's extensive portfolio. CRG, the force behind beloved local institutions like Vida, Livery, and BRU Burger Bar, will develop a landmark two-story establishment. The plans detail a sophisticated 5,700-square-foot fine-dining restaurant on the upper level, complemented by a vibrant 2,400-square-foot bar on the ground floor serving small plates. This dual-concept approach is designed to cater to a range of occasions, from upscale dinners to casual social gatherings, creating a new culinary anchor for the entire district.

Joining CRG is Flower Child, which will open its second Indianapolis-area location in a 3,500-square-foot freestanding building. The brand's expansion into Fishers follows a successful launch in Nora and reflects the growing consumer appetite for healthy, fast-casual options. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and customizable menu of bowls, wraps, and salads, Flower Child's 'feel-good-eats' philosophy is a perfect fit for the active, family-friendly demographic of Fishers. This move is part of the restaurant's strategic national growth, targeting dynamic suburban markets.

These two headliners join an already diverse and carefully curated roster of tenants that will define The Union's character. Recent signings include the dessert and beverage shop Dot Sugar and the lively restaurant and bar The Oakmont. They will operate alongside previously announced businesses such as Piedra, Kitchen Social, Niku Sushi, Everbowl, Racha Thai, Renova Aesthetics, Sweathouz, Unplug Soy Candles, and a specialty jewelry store, creating a rich tapestry of shopping, dining, and wellness services.

The Union: A Blueprint for Suburban Urbanism

The Union represents the capstone of the $750 million, 123-acre Fishers District master plan, a project initiated by Thompson Thrift in 2015. It is designed to be more than a shopping center; it is a fully integrated mixed-use environment embodying the principles of modern placemaking. The development seamlessly blends 57,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space with 70,000 square feet of Class A office space, a 135-room AC Hotel by Marriott—the first of its kind in Indiana—and The Union Flats, a 250-unit luxury multifamily community.

This 'live-work-play' model is engineered to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where residents can walk from their apartments to their offices, grab dinner, and enjoy entertainment without ever needing a car. The project's design prioritizes pedestrian connectivity, fostering a sense of community and urban energy within a suburban setting. With most commercial spaces now leased, the focus shifts to the few remaining opportunities: two retail spots and approximately 70,000 square feet of prime office space, which are expected to attract businesses seeking a modern, amenity-rich environment.

Powering a Regional Economic Hub

The success of The Union is intrinsically linked to the explosive growth of Fishers itself. The city, which recently surpassed 100,000 residents, has become a powerhouse of economic development in Central Indiana. The Fishers District development is a key part of a city-wide strategy that has attracted over $1.1 billion in recent economic and entertainment investments.

These investments include the new global headquarters for Andretti Global and a major manufacturing expansion by the Stevanato Group, which together are projected to bring over 1,000 high-wage jobs to the city. This influx of corporate investment and talent fuels demand for the very lifestyle amenities that The Union provides. The development is further complemented by adjacent projects within the master plan, such as The Crossing at Fishers District, home to the new 8,000-seat Fishers Event Center. This synergy between commercial development and public investment creates a powerful economic engine, transforming the I-69 and 116th Street corridor into a major regional destination for business, sports, and entertainment.

A Vision Recognized and Realized

For Thompson Thrift, the near-completion of The Union is the culmination of a long-term vision and a testament to its expertise in large-scale development. The company's work on the first phase of the Fishers District earned it a prestigious Monumental Award from the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce in 2020, recognizing its significant contribution to the region's built environment. Having invested more than $6.6 billion in communities nationwide since 1986, the developer has established a reputation for creating high-quality, impactful projects.

As construction on the commercial spaces progresses toward a late 2026 completion, the leasing momentum confirms that the market has emphatically embraced the concept. The project has successfully translated a bold vision for suburban transformation into a tangible reality. The Union's near-completion marks a significant milestone in the city's decade-long transformation into a premier destination for residents and businesses alike.