The owner of a trendy sandwich shop on 14th Street in Astoria is about to open a new location this month in the Ditmars-Steinway section of the neighborhood (Photo provided by Alex Compton)
Sept. 1, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
The owners of a trendy sandwich shop on 14th Street in Astoria are about to open a new location this month in the Ditmars-Steinway section of the neighborhood.
Compton’s, which has built a reputation for its big-bite sandwiches and smash burgers, will open its new eatery at 28-02 23rd Ave. on Sept. 10. The opening comes four years after it opened its 30-02 14th St. sandwich shop.
Owners Alex Compton, Jimmy Collins and Andrew Compton are taking over a 1,200-square-foot space previously occupied by A & F deli.
Alex Compton said they have been interested in the space since A & F deli closed around three years ago. Another sandwich shop called Slaps Astoria was expected to go into the space, but it never opened, despite company signage going up on the front of the premises.
Compton said that when the premises became available to rent once again, they jumped at the chance.
“A & F deli was around for so long it became an Astoria staple, a little historic, so it really means a lot to us to take it,” Compton said.
Compton said they were also drawn to the space since it is located on a bustling corner along the busy 23rd Avenue corridor. The space is also much larger than the 14th Street spot, he said.
The menu at the new eatery will include all the favorites from the 14th Street location, such as a vast array of big-bite sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks and smash burgers.
Some big-bite sandwiches on offer at Compton’s (Photos: Instagram via @comptons.nyc)
The owners have designed the space with subway-styled tiles and industrial-type finishes (Photos: Provided by Alex Compton)
The company’s bestselling big-bite sandwiches, Compton said, will be on the menu. One of their bestsellers is a breakfast sandwich called the “New Yorker,” which consists of a toasted poppy seed Kaiser roll filled with two eggs, melted cheese, roasted red pepper aioli with a choice of bacon, sausage, ham or turkey bacon.
The new shop will also offer wraps, vegan options and seasonal specials, as well as smoothies and iced teas.
Compton said the new eatery will offer an extensive coffee menu too, something the 14th Street location doesn’t have.
“The entire menu has something for everyone and is not aimed at one particular type of customer,” Alex said.
The new venue will also have around 16 seats inside and 12 outside.
“We hope the new seating will help us better connect with the community since we have no indoor seating at our 14th Street location,” Compton said, who is very familiar with the neighborhood.
Compton said he lived in Astoria for 15 years before moving to Greenpoint recently. He also owns a bar in that neighborhood with Collins called 99 Franklin.
Renovation work is nearing completion on the 23rd Avenue location and the owners have designed the space with subway-styled tiles and industrial-type finishes. A Mortal Kombat arcade machine has also been installed, while the exterior has been painted white.
“We are looking to create a fun, local hangout spot with good music for everyone including families,” Alex said.
“It will have a nice loose atmosphere.”
Opening hours are expected to be from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Sundays although Alex says they have not been finalized yet.
The new opening comes four years after Compton’s opened its 30-02 14th St. sandwich shop (Photo: Google Maps)
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