Photo: R. Lopez

We’ve got exciting news from the local food beat. Jeff Halpern‘s successful fried chicken and doughnut shop is expanding. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken will be opening its second location this summer– this time in Falls Church, Virginia.

Halpern and co-owner Elliot Spaisman explained the move to DC Eater last week. “Falls Church is one of our most popular destinations on the Virginia food truck route,” they wrote in an email. “There are a lot of great dining spots nearby like Taco Bamba, for example, and the community clearly enjoys diverse food offerings. The neighborhood has been growing a lot over the years, and with a large number of both office buildings and residences, we thought it a great location for our second outlet.”

More from Washington DC Eater:

The menu at this Astro will be similar to the G Street one, but with more sides, sandwiches and even breakfast options (likely geared towards commuters to nearby Tysons Corner). They’ll serve drip and cold brew coffee from La Colombe, and offer catering and private events options. Local firm HapstakDemetriou will design the 1,200 square foot space which will have limited seating.

The restaurant will be located at 7501 Leesburg Pike in the Idylwood Plaza (which we’re told is next to a Whole Foods and where a Jerry’s Subs and Pizza used to be).

The former Caps captain has received acclaim for his creative restaurant and food truck. In February, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken was featured in a Food Network blogpost on the best places in the country to buy doughnuts:

You may recognize co-founder Jeff Halpern’s name: He’s a professional hockey player who played for the Washington Capitals, among other NHL teams. He and co-founder Elliot Spaisman grew up playing hockey together and doughnuts were their reward of choice after games. Grab fried chicken or Sriracha wings before choosing your dessert. You might find a new favorite day of the week based on Astro’s rotating doughnut calendar. Beat a case of the Mondays with Coconut Cake or enjoy the weekend with Elvis (think peanut butter-banana filling). No matter what day of the week you stop by, though, there are some pretty awesome daily flavors that include Vanilla Glazed, Creme Brulee and even Maple Bacon.

If Jeff needs some hockey artwork or help promoting the place, we’re here for a price: warm, delicious doughnuts.

Photo: Food Network