Big changes coming to Capriotti's Sandwich Shops this month include a new plant-based "cheesesteak," smaller sub rolls and increased prices.

The sub chain founded more than four decades ago in Delaware also has plans for three more chicken cheesesteak options.

In addition, it will remove two sandwiches and a veggie burger from the menu and change its options for children.

Ashley Morris, Capriotti's chief executive officer, said the menu revamping and expansion comes as the company approaches its 44th year in business this summer.

He said there have been no real major overhaul to food options in that time besides the addition of a few soups, salads and other sandwiches.

"Capriotti's has had a consistent menu for a very, very, very long time," he said.

All 107 Capriotti's stores will be offering an Impossible Cheesesteak by Feb. 18, he said. While the sandwich is not vegan, the "meat" will be made with ingredients derived from plants.

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Morris said it will be cooked on the same griddle as other meats offered in the stores and will have real cheese. He believes longtime patrons will be surprised by the taste.

"It is unbelievable, it's fantastic," Morris said. "I would stand behind this as the best tasting by far."

He said the plant-based cheesesteaks can be prepared with the same toppings as the chain's meat-based cheesesteaks. Plans also are in the works for a plant-based "Impossible" meatball sub.

In a first for the company, Capriotti's will be introducing "half" sandwiches made on 5-inch rolls, The cost will be $4.99. At the same time, it also plans to reduce the size of its other sub rolls by 1- and 2-inches.

A former 9-inch sandwich will now be made on an 8-inch roll. Two other sandwiches will be 2 inches smaller. A former 12-inch sub will be 10 inches and a 20-inch sub will now be 18 inches. The rolls offered at Capriotti's franchises are made by local bakers, Morris said.

Morris said prices will likely increase around 30 cents per sandwich. There are 15 Delaware stores located in all three counties.

"We are a franchise system. Prices are set by the franchisee. Some prices will be lower, some higher, some the same," he said. Morris said Delaware franchises haven't increased prices at stores in about a year.

The reduction in the size of the rolls is due to customer demand, Morris said.

"For last 10 years, we have been listening to customers and hearing what they say," he said.

Morris said whereas before the Capriotti's shops "used to pride ourselves on mega sandwiches," times have changed and people are eater lighter. He said customers have complained that "some of the sandwiches were too big."

"We adjusted our sizing. People are eating less," he said, adding customers now "have an option if you don't want to eat a mega sandwich."

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New chicken cheesesteak flavors being unveiled this month at Capriotti's stores will include a chicken chipotle crunch, grilled chicken parmesan and barbecue chicken. Stores will also begin offering hot versions of the popular Bobbie subs.

Morris said a warmed version of the Bobbie, a turkey sub with cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing and mayonnaise that's known as Thanksgiving on a roll, has long been a "secret" menu item which has gained traction through the years.

To make room for the new options, Capriotti's menus will no longer feature veggie burgers, a triple-decker sandwich known as the Cran-Slam Club, and a classic ham and cheese sandwich. But Morris said those items can still be made for customers upon request.

Morris said a children's grilled cheese sandwich now will be available for free with the purchase of a regular sandwich. There still will be a children's option that's slightly different from the current "Cap's Kids" menu. The new menu will allow kids to choose any of the subs on the menu in the 5-inch size, which will come with a juice box and a side of cranberries.

Morris said all the changes are being done in an attempt to further broaden Capriotti's' reach. He said the $4.99 price for the smaller sandwich is appealing for those looking for a low-cost meal.

"It allows someone on a budget to come and eat at Capriotti's for under $5," he said.

The Capriotti's Sandwich Shop chain was founded by the late Lois Margolet in 1976. The first store, still operating today, opened at 510 N. Union St. in Wilmington in the Little Italy neighborhood where she grew up. Her brother Alan joined the business.

Lois Margolet named the mom-and-pop sub shop after her grandfather Philip Capriotti. Lois is credited with creating the popular "Bobbie" sandwich, which she named after her Aunt Winona, known as Bobbie.

In 1987, their cousin, Diane Rizzo, came aboard and opened additional locations in Delaware. The growing chain began franchising in 1991.

Ashley Morris, friend Jason Smylie and a group of investors bought Capriotti's shops from Lois Margolet in 2008. Capriotti's shops are now in 19 states, including Nevada, California, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was updated Feb. 5 to clarify that children's options will still be available at Capriotti's.

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico