Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken has left Idylwood’s orbit.
The donut business started by two former Washington Capitals players permanently closed its shop at Idylwood Plaza (7511 Leesburg Pike) after Saturday, July 14, just a month shy of the location’s ninth anniversary.
A sign posted to the door encourages customers to visit Astro’s two remaining locations at 1308 G Street NW in D.C. and 4001 Campbell Avenue in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken co-owner Elliot Spaisman confirmed that the Idylwood shop’s last day of operations was this past Saturday but didn’t elaborate on why the business opted to let that location go.
“Our lease is expiring and we made the decision not to renew,” Spaisman said in a statement to FFXnow. “While we don’t have any current plans to open a new location in Fairfax County, we will certainly assess any future opportunities to do so.”
Spaisman and his childhood friend Jeff Halpern started Astro Doughnuts in 2013 as a nod to their tradition of visiting the since-shuttered Montgomery Donuts after hockey games while growing up — and a counter-argument to the “cupcake craze” that took hold of the nation in the 2000s, according to the company’s website.
Known in particular for its crème brûlée flavor, which was once named the region’s best donut by the Washington Post, Astro Doughnuts quickly gained a following, adding a food truck and opening a second brick-and-mortar location at Idylwood Plaza in August 2015. Later expansions included Arlington, where Spaisman also operates two beer halls, and even Southern California.
However, the business ultimately narrowed its scope back to the D.C. area, closing its Los Angeles and Santa Monica locations “without too much warning” in early March 2020, Eater LA reported.
A spokesperson for Federal Realty, which owns Idylwood Plaza, didn’t comment when asked about Astro Doughnuts’ closure.
New restaurants incoming
Even after Astro Doughnuts’ departure, Idylwood Plaza won’t have a shortage of food options with multiple new restaurants on the way.
Previously expected to open in the spring, Chick Salad Chick is now on track to open at 7505 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120A, this August, Federal Realty says. The chicken salad chain announced plans last year to add franchises in Fairfax County, led by Northern Virginia resident Devon Chamberlin and her family.
The daytime cafe First Watch will open in the long-vacant space next to Thaisons early in the fall after launching its biggest restaurant yet in Fair Lakes at the beginning of July.
The shopping center is also awaiting Mumbai Central, an Indian restaurant that’s taking the place of Jason’s Deli at 7505 Leesburg Pike, and Halal Bowl, which is slated for the suite formerly occupied by Island Fin Pike at 7501 Leesburg Pike, next to Starbucks.
According to Federal Realty, Halal Bowl will open this fall, while Mumbai Central will likely arrive closer to the end of the year.
While the available information about Halal Bowl is scant, an Instagram page that might be for the concept promises “authentic Mediterranean halal cuisine,” including gyros and the “finest baklawa in town.”
Mumbai Central, meanwhile, will turn its 4,665-square-foot space into a “unique…dining experience inspired by the iconic Mumbai Central Railway Station,” according to an announcement of the leasing deal.
“Known for its historic ties and bustling energy, Mumbai Central connects travelers across north and west India since 1930,” the release said. “The restaurant concept brings vibrancy and architectural elegance to your dining table, nestled in a prime location.”
Deirdre Johnson, senior vice president of asset management for Federal Realty, said the property owner is “thrilled” to be able to welcome the new restaurants to Idylwood Plaza.
“These additions reflect our commitment to providing diverse and high-quality dining options for our customers,” Johnson said. “The upcoming opening of each of these restaurants bring new and exciting flavors with exceptional experiences.”
