‘Satellite Sandwiches’ ghost kitchen from Astro Doughnuts launched earlier today

Photo by Scott Suchman

From a press release:

“The owners of Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Elliot Spaisman and Jeff Halpern, announce the opening of Satellite Sandwiches, an all-day sandwich and cookie-centric ghost kitchen. The menu, composed of a variety of Philadelphia-inspired cheesesteaks, comforting sandwiches and sides, plus jumbo made-to-order cookies, is exclusively available for delivery or pre-ordered pick-up at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken at 1308 G Street NW. Orders can be placed online, starting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19^th, 2020.

The menu, available here, developed by Chef Chris Kujala from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, features a selection of classic cheesesteaks including the traditional Philly Classic, a Pizza Steak topped with marinara sauce and fried mushrooms, and a Cheese Steak Hoagie served with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a pickle. All cheesesteaks are served on a toasted garlic-butter sub roll from Baguette Republic and, depending on customer preference, can be topped with either a smoked gouda cheese sauce or melted provolone. Customers additionally have the option to build their own cheesesteaks from a wide list of creative toppings.

Other sandwich options include Chicken Parmesan, a grilled lamb Gyro, and Portobello Mushroom “Asteroid,” a vegan-friendly version of Astro’s popular hot chicken offering. Wings, spiced-rubbed steak fries, and a hearty chicken noodle soup round out the all-day menu. For a sweet ending, Satellite Sandwiches offers 6.5 oz. made-to-order cookies in four flavors: Double Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel, Cake Batter Funfetti, and Pumpkin Snickerdoodle.

Photo by Jen Chase

A separate, smaller menu of breakfast sandwiches is available for order between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. daily. The trio of early morning offerings include an egg, hash brown, and breakfast sausage stuffed Breakfast Burrito, a Steak and Egg Sandwich, and the BLT&E, a traditional BLT topped with two fried eggs served with chive mayo on a sub roll.

Much like Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, hockey played a central role in the creation of Satellite Sandwiches. Co-owner Jeff Halpern who is also an assistant coach for recent Stanley Cup winners, the Tampa Bay Lightning, would cater meals from Astro’s kitchen when his team would visit D.C. to play the Washington Capitals. While doughnuts and fried chicken were always a hit, Chef Chris and the Astro kitchen would often test different sandwiches on the athletes, inspiring ideas to launch a spin-off concept. Satellite’s menu represents some of the most popular sandwiches that were enjoyed, alongside other comfort food classics. With available kitchen space from Astro Beer Hall next door, which is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, the team accelerated plans and Satellite Sandwiches was born.

The kitchen will be open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Satellite Sandwiches is available for pick-up at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken only if orders are placed in advance on the website. Walk-up orders are not available at this time. Delivery is currently available through DoorDash and Uber Eats, and availability through Postmates will be added soon.”