To understand why JD’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop is superior to franchise sub shops, it must be understood that chains lack the individuality that local, independent delis bring to the experience. The linoleum tessellated floor, plastic seats, wood tables and subtle décor are proof that JD’s spends less time worrying about maintaining a signature image and more time trying to provide top-tier service and sandwiches—and that they do. Going in, I was a little wary about how I could get away with ordering a meatless sub, and was relieved when I saw a Vegetarian Sandwich. Between the crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, olives, cucumbers and onions adorning the creation, I hardly missed the initially tempting selections of turkey, ham, roast beef, pastrami and chicken. It wasn’t just the vegetables that made me forget about the absence of meat, however—the telera roll, soft and baked to golden-brown perfection, was also a surprisingly prominent contributor to my overall satisfaction. Instead of being there to solely hold the ingredients together, it was an ingredient in itself, and any other bread would have slightly altered the experience. At JD’s, the sincerity and pride in their product is evident in the bright vegetables, the warm air of baking bread, and the workers’ genial service from start to finish. JD’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop, 3700 Midas Avenue, Suite A1, Rocklin. 916-624-3350.