Yep.
When we were kids (60's-70's) Dad would sometimes take us on Sunday to a small Italian deli entered on the side of a private home where the hours were noon to 4. He'd order 6 large subs and the old ladies in the back (never seen) would make them and about a half hour later they were ready.
The 1/2 hour ride home was torture as they smelled heavenly. They tasted even better.
The old ladies went to their reward, the business closed, and I haven't had a comparable sub since.
I haven’t had a comparable sub since.
++++++
I had the same experience, I came from a small upstate NY town and my favorite place was an Italian bar that served food.
They made their hoagies on Muffalta bread and the best spaghetti I have ever eaten. The owners wife promised me she would give me her secret recipe for the sauce when she retired but I couldn’t abide the state anymore and left for SC.