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Iran sees 'battle of the brands' as US franchises look to enter

Bootlegs of American franchises in Iran may very well fall victim of the nuclear deal as Western companies consider expanding their businesses there.
A product showing the Raees Coffee logo is seen on the counter at a branch of the coffee chain in central Tehran February 5, 2011. In a country where there are no bars, as alcohol is banned, Tehran's Raees Coffee chain has proved popular since its first cafe opened in December 2001, offering both a modern environment, complete with wireless Internet access, and - a first in Iran - takeaway coffee. Many other coffee shops have sprung up in Iran's major cities where, until recently, tea was the beverage of ch

The line was around the block. When the Baskin-Robbins first opened on Valiasr Street in Tehran, you’d have to wait a good 30 minutes to get in the door, and even then, you might not get the flavor you wanted. Everything from the sign to the cups and signature pink spoon — not to mention all 31 flavors — were on point.

I had to know its secret. After all, it’s an American ice cream parlor in Iran, a country that hasn’t had direct relations with the United States for some 30 years. “It’s actually Italian gelato,” the manager said, grinning from ear to ear, when I visited the store in 2009.

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