A popular Campustown sandwich shop has undergone a facelift for the new school year.

Jimmy John’s, located at 108 Hayward Ave., is in the last stages of a summer-long renovation intended to increase its restaurant and kitchen area and update the interior.

The business was outgrowing its former kitchen and dining areas and falling behind in delivery time due to congestion in the kitchen, said Ahmed Merchant, owner of Jimmy John’s.

“We’ve been increasing [in business] every year,” Merchant said.

In order to expand the store’s size to handle business flow, Jimmy John’s leased the building behind the store and tore down the wall dividing the two buildings.

The renovation added kitchen space for an additional sandwich preparation counter, which will be used for filling carryout and delivery orders. Manager Trevor Caughey estimates delivery time will be cut in half due to the second counter.

Seating in the front of the store was rearranged, and booths were added to make room for 18 diners.

“Twice the kitchen space and twice the seating make room for twice the business,” Caughey said. “We’re still working on getting to the level Jimmy John’s should be on.”

In addition to improving its kitchen area, Jimmy John’s also is updating the interior. The new look includes black and white tiles added to the walls, additional neon signs and a decorative brick wall, which replaced a mural of co-founder Jimmy John.

Merchant said the 6-year-old Ames restaurant was one of the first Jimmy John’s to open, and the store had not been “restored to the modern look” of current franchises. There are 43 Jimmy John’s restaurants located across the United States, he said.

However, not everyone is pleased with the remodeling. Caughey said he has heard everything from positive comments on the new look to disappointment about the disappearance of the mural.

Although Jimmy John’s may look different on the inside, the menu still offers the same sandwiches at the same price as when the franchise opened.

Though the building is still in the process of renovation, Jimmy John’s managers are considering further expansion plans, including hiring more employees to fill the added space, relying on more bicycles for deliveries and obtaining a permit for outdoor seating.

Jimmy John’s interior is not expected to be completed until September because it remained open during renovation.