Restaurant Theft: Can the Internet Restore Taste of Persia's Legacy?

Everyone loves a feel good story, and the rise, fall, and hopeful resurrection of Taste of Persia is something we here at Leisurely want to highlight. So let’s break it down for those not familiar with the under the radar Iranian stew scene.

Saeed Pourkay is the owner of Taste of Persia, and for eight years, he rented out the back of Pizza Paradise in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood (the one famous for the pointy building). Pourkay actually got his start at the Union Square holiday market serving the Iranian stew known as ash reshteh, and with that success, worked out a deal to bring his operation out of the cold festive hell known as the holiday market to a pizzeria. It was a humble set up, and pizza paired with Iranian cuisine may seemed like an odd couple, but it’s these unexpected combinations that make New York City great. And for awhile, Pourkay was able to make it work. Until the dreaded phrase “new ownership” came along.

Ash reshteh

When you rent a commercial space in New York City, you’re at the mercy of a building’s owners. And as fate would have it, new ownership wanted Pourkay out. But not only that, new ownership decided that they could rip off Pourkay and open a copycat counter offering the cuisine that made people step into the building in the first place. Eater reported the full story and subsequent closure of the copycat business, and it’s a lesson that if you become successful at selling food, a scumbag will always be there to try and reap your rewards.

The fragrant rice at Taste of Persia was the perfect partner for many of Pourkay’s stews

So what can we do now to make sure Pourkay and his wonderful cuisine find a home? Well, we can be on the lookout for commercials spaces of course, but more immediate, we can donate. Currently, just under $48,000 has been raised on GoFundMe for Pourkay, who set a goal of $95,000 to help him get on his feet. It’s not just about helping a talented chef find a better situation for his beloved cuisine, it’s about protecting creativity.

Do you think there should be consequences for businesses that intentionally steal someone’s brand? Let us know in the comments! But only after donating, okay.