This is where all the business travellers stay and is part of a respected, though not exactly cutting-edge, chain - the branch in Peshawar has a famous sign: 'Please leave your guns in the lobby'.

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On 21 July, 20-year-old Pacific Coffee Company chain unveiled its most ambitious branch yet, the Pacific Coffee Emporium.

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Mr Kimura immediately carted his purchase off to a nearby branch of his Sushi Zanmai chain.

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Taj Lands End, a branch of the famous Taj hotel chain -- its lobby is great for people watching.

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Last week in Tampa, Meg Lanker-Simons, a blogger on assignment for Tumblr, caught up with former RNC chairman Michael Steele outside a branch of Wet Willies, a chain mostly known for its assortment of slushy alcoholic drinks.

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Sun Fei, the manager of a 230-room branch of Motel 168, a privately-owned chain, says he has only 60 parking spaces.

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The chain aims to further expand into the U.S., with a branch in Virginia Beach, Va.

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