I believe you; I just live in a different area (a dozen miles west of NYC in NJ). We’ve already lost most of our family-run restaurants, delis, and other small businesses; chains have displaced most of them (and it is a real shame; they were very good - probably because of the competition - and offered better product).
It is getting harder and harder to find a place that makes old-school American sub sandwiches...
It is really easy to find such sandwiches here in DFW. Lots of local shops, no few chains - not including Subway or Quiznos in that list, either. Don’t know what to tell you on the lack of availability in your area.