Baghdad: Iraqi businessman Zaid Nazo has always been sure of his nation’s deep passion for food and wasn’t afraid to dream big when he transformed his small Baghdad coffee shop in 1999 into a casual dining and takeaway restaurant. Today, the 41-year-old father of two has opened four branches and his chain is one of the most popular in Iraq.

Many Iraqi entrepreneurs are finding restaurants and eateries a safe business bet, despite the country’s slumping economy, prevailing violence and an ongoing war with Daesh (the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant).

The food business is booming. There are 40 per cent more restaurants in Baghdad today than there were in 2013 — when security and economic conditions in the country were much better -according to Shakir Al Zamili, the chairman of Baghdad Investment Commission.

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