Blog

Blog

Laufey’s Madwoman: Identity-Based Storytelling

“Madwoman” is a case study in how identity can be packaged and marketed in contemporary music marketing. From this recent video, we learn that representation doesn’t solely refer to who is cast and included; rather, it also encompasses which identities are deemed “marketable” in the first place.

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Blog

March Munch-ness: Lessons from Expo West 2026

The natural products industry represented at Expo West is one of the most rapidly evolving areas of marketing. In many cases, a brand’s authentic story, modern packaging, and customer interaction strategies are more vital to a successful business than the product itself. The brands at Expo West exemplify how to balance convenience and playfulness with transparency and
refinement, appealing to consumers with a genuine, consistent persona while matching ever-changing trends.

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Blog

Marketing Trends that Brands Should Look Out For: Brand Humanization and the Importance of Consumer-Product Connection

In the current advertising world, there is a rise of depersonalization between customers and brands. Some customers feel disconnected from brands and organizations due to a lack of transparency and over-commercialization of once familiar and comforting brands. Customer loyalty has decreased globally, as they no longer feel individually important or truly ‘seen’ by marketing campaigns from socially prominent brands.

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Blog

The Arts Aren’t Dying

When actor Timothee Chalamet made a seemingly flippant comment about the popularity of opera and ballet, the Internet responded with an uproar. Musical artists and average social media users alike have heavily criticized his perspective, asserting that people do indeed care about the fine arts.

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Blog

Bad Romance is Getting Better: What 2026 Valentine’s Day Campaigns Did Right

It’s February, and nobody’s surprised at what that means: stores are suddenly rife with red roses, Instagram on the 14th is a minefield for anyone who’s single, and brands are launching their annual Valentine’s Day campaigns. While most people might think they’ve seen it all as far as Valentine’s Day marketing ideas go, there were some brands that breathed new life into 2026’s season of love.

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Blog

2026 Is the New 2016: The Importance of Nostalgia in Advertising

Matte lips, skinny jeans, and a signature high-contrast Clarendon filter– photos normally hidden deep in Instagram archives are now at the forefront of feeds across social media sites. As 2026 unfolds, TikTok has crowned the year “new 2016” and the internet is leaning all the way in.

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Blog

Branding Bridgerton: The Marketing of a Regency-Era Sensation

Ornate ball gowns, gold-gilded furniture, and intricate florals – all essential elements of the Regency-era Netflix hit Bridgerton. The show that swept millions of viewers across the globe into an immersive high-society experience has just released its fourth season, and with it, an incredible marketing strategy. Bridgerton utilizes captivating detail, targeted and consistent content, and authentic messaging to effectively position the brand as attractive and culturally relevant.

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Blog

Content Marketing: What You Need to Know

Marketing strategy has evolved, making it increasingly difficult to authentically connect with audiences. This is a result of advertising constantly shoved in consumers’ faces, leading them to be less trusting of brands. As a result, business owners have been forced to focus on strategies that build trust and value. Content marketing provides that, but to use it properly, understanding what it is, why it matters, and how to approach it strategically is vital.

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Blog

Rebranding Done Right: Abercrombie & Fitch’s Journey to the Top

Rebrands can be daunting. It takes time, money and a lot of resources to pull one off successfully, and they often don’t land with the public. However, a well-done rebrand can take a company from falling behind to being a top player in its industry. One case that demonstrates this perfectly is the transformation of Abercrombie & Fitch, a clothing company that went from being labeled “America’s Most Hated Retailer” in 2016 to one of the best-selling clothing brands in the country less than a decade later.

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Blog

The Day Duo Died: And Gen Z Went Crazy

Somewhere between a thirst trap and a language lesson, Duolingo caught the internet’s attention—one unhinged TikTok comment at a time. And just like that, Duo was hit by a cybertruck…dead, inspiring viral TikToks, chaotic fan theories, eulogies, and more memes than Duolingo could ever assign as homework.

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Blog

AI in Marketing: How Automation is Changing Creativity

AI is reshaping industries, and for many young professionals, AI feels like a threat to their very livelihood. But the question is: How can we use AI to benefit us as creatives? And maybe even more importantly, how is it going to change creativity as a whole?

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Blog

The Power of Video Marketing

By now, everyone knows how powerful social media marketing can be. However, a new, even more effective form of social media marketing is emerging: video marketing.

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Blog

The Rise of Micro Influencers

Not everybody can be Alix Earle. But does everybody want to be? These days, more and more people are hanging up their pipe dreams of fame and followers for something more realistic: being niche.

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Blog

The Future of Social Media Marketing in 2025: What Trends Brands Should Watch

In today’s crowded digital landscape, capturing consumer attention is more difficult than ever. Social media users are scrolling faster, engaging less, and expecting more from the content they consume. For brands, this means that simply being present on social media platforms is no longer enough. To stand out, marketers need to prioritize quality over quantity – crafting creative, relevant, and personalized experiences that not only capture attention, but hold it.

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Blog

Giorgio Armani: The Fashion Tycoon Who Redefined Power and Style

Armani reshaped men’s suits into something fluid, gave women a new form of confidence through tailored pantsuits, and built a multibillion-dollar empire that stretches far beyond clothing. But this was no overnight success; it was the product of years of discipline, vision, and obsessive dedication.

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Blog

Lessons From GAP’s Viral Win Over American Eagle

American Eagle’s campaign drew accusations of tone-deaf messaging, while GAP’s campaign was praised as inclusive, nostalgic, and fun. The result? GAP capitalized on its competitor’s backlash to boost its own cultural credibility. For marketers, this showdown is a lesson in brand codes, controversy, and how to turn another brand’s misstep into your own moment.

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Blog

The Branding of You

Your personal brand should combine two key facets of you:
The person that you are
The reasons why you do what you do

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Daniyah Khan

For Daniyah Khan, Class of 2023, strategy and storytelling are the heart of everything she does. She lives in Washington, D.C. She’s now an Associate Product Manager at Capital One through its product development rotational program.

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Trolly Stop

Our Client Franklin Street’s Trolly Stop is predominantly a hot dog restaurant, with other locations based in Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington and Southport. Offering a traditional beef

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Carolina Coworking

Our Client Carolina Coworking is a shared community workspace built around making work and meeting spots accessible to anyone who needs it, whenever they need

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Emilie Hofele

When Emilie Hofele first started at the 1893 Brand Studio, she was sure she wanted to go into strategy. However, after exploring her options within the Brand Studio, Hofele found a new passion for her career: account management.

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Maren Gowland

Alumni Spotlight: Maren Gowland by Laney Gragg As a Senior Account Executive at Ketchum, Maren Gowland helps craft impactful PR campaigns for household brands, including

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Blog

Wickedly Good Marketing

If you didn’t see the promotional content for Universal Picture’s Wicked Movie, you might have been living under a rock. For the three months leading up to its release, it seemed like every other advertisement or promotion on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or even in stores was pink and green.

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Blog

How to Market on Social Media Effectively 

Social media has quickly become the most popular way for businesses to communicate with their intended audience. According to an article from Forbes, 4.9 billion people worldwide use social media platforms, making it the easiest way to reach a large demographic, regardless of the industry you work in.
Here are some tips to kickstart your social media presence:

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Redmond

Sarah, a 2020 alumna of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, isn’t just any Tar Heel—she’s a super proud one. Majoring in Photo and Video Journalism and minoring in Studio Art, Sarah found her way to 1893 Brand Studio her senior year, and it completely altered her career path.

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Sipe

Ashley Sipe graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2023 with a degree in Media and Journalism on the Advertising and Public Relations track with a double minor in History and Spanish.

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Case Studies

Case Study: All About Insurance

By Ella Bartosik  The Client Founded in 1993 by Nick’s dad at University Place mall, AAI has expanded to 13 locations from Garner to Greensboro,

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Lacy McKee

Alumni Spotlight: Lacy McKee by Mallaury Pageau Lacy McKee, a UNC Class of 2024 graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in both Journalism/Media and Communications, embarked

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Megan Royer

Megan Royer, a 2018 UNC Hussman School of Media and Journalism alum, presently holds the position of Strategic Communications Advisor at FGS Global in Washington DC.

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Blog

Super Bowl

Read to get insights on the 2024 Super Bowl ads and learn how their effective strategies can be used by your business to enhance your marketing efforts.

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Gabby Torres

Gabby Torres, a UNC Hussman alum, currently serves as a project manager at Digitas Unlimited. She began her journey with Digitas as an intern during her college years, eventually leading to a full-time role as a project manager. In her day-to-day responsibilities, she adeptly manages timelines for client deliverables and production, oversees partnerships, engages in social media strategies and handles data and analytics. Her client portfolio spans both international and domestic realms, requiring meticulous management and strategic thinking.

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Blog

Level Up Your Market Research

The quality of your market research can either make or break your project or business. Here are three key tips to improve market research for your business:

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Sophia Alem​

After studying both Media and Journalism and English Literature at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sophia Alem started a new adventure in New York City but left an impact on her family at the 1893 Brand Studio.

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Jack O’Grady​

Alumni Spotlight: Jack O’Grady by Delaney Garver Meet Jack O’Grady – the 1893 Brand Studio Alumni whose initiative pioneered the Alumni Spotlight.    O’Grady’s journey

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Blog

Marketing for Small Businesses

Marketing for Small Businesses by Erica Boey Illustration by Natalie Peña-Galvis Navigating the Marketplace Unlike big corporations and companies, small businesses lack the resources to

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Blog

Marketing to Gen Z

Marketing to Gen Z by Ashley Sipe Illustration by Nia Freeman Generation Z, which includes those born between 1996 and 2010, is a tech-centric, social

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Tran Nguyen

Alumni Spotlight: Tran Nguyen by P.J. Morales More than anything else, 1893 Brand Studio alum Tran Nguyen wants to make an impact on the world. 

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Blog

Content Marketing Ideas

Content Marketing Ideas by Catherine Yoder Illustration by Gabi Allen For a successful brand, useful content should be at the core of your marketing strategies.

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Campbell

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Campbell by Lacy McKee Sarah Campbell came into UNC-Chapel Hill as a biology major on the pre-med track. The track she’s on

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Blog

Make Your Website Stand Out

Make Your Website Stand Out by Daniyah Khan Illustration by Sophia Alem In our heavily digitalized world, a website is one of the most important

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Blog

Influencer Marketing

Influencer Marketing by Haley Watkins Illustration by Haley Watkins The world of social media marketing is ever expanding. More companies than ever are utilizing different

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Blog

Social Media Marketing Tips

Social Media Marketing Tips by Jordan Barish Illustration by Natalie Peña-Galvis How your business can make the most of social media Social media is a

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Alumni Spotlight: Lucas Pruitt

Alumni Spotlight: Lucas Pruitt by Eleazar Yisrael Early Life Born and raised in the mountainous small town of West Jefferson, NC, Lucas Pruitt discovered something

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Blog

A Guide to Micro-Influencer Marketing

A Guide to Micro-Influencer Marketing by Angela Feng Illustration by Natalie Peña-Galvis Most people are familiar with the concept of influencer marketing, which involves developing

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Blog

Importance of Brand Authenticity

Importance of Brand Authenticity by Emilie Hofele Illustration by Sophia Alem What is Brand Authenticity? Brand authenticity is “the extent to which consumers perceive a

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Blog

How to Develop a Strong Brand

How to Develop a Strong Brand by Ashley Sipe Illustration by Gabi Allen Having a strong brand is essential for any successful business. Branding can

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Blog

What Makes a Brand Successful?

What Makes a Brand Successful? by Abby Pallant Illustration by Abby Pallant A brand is a connection. A trusting relationship between the audience and provider.

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Blog

Building a Successful Site: SEO

Building a Successful Site: Software for SEO Enhancements Illustration by Rishabh Vemuri by Rishabh Vemuri What is Search Engine Optimization? Search Engine Optimization, commonly referred

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Blog

Brand Awareness

Brand Awareness Illustration by Oriana Apostoli By Nikki Reddy Owning a business in a college town is nothing a degree can prepare you for. The

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Alex Mazer

Alumni Spotlight: Alex Mazer by Charlotte Geier Meet Alex Mazer, a 2022 UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who now works at Bain & Company as an Associate

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Jake Mory

Alumni Spotlight: Jake Mory by Ashley Sipe Jake Mory, a 2022 UNC-Chapel Hill and Brand Studio alumni, made the most of his time on campus

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Blog

User-Centered Design

The Benefits of Implementing User-Centered Design Illustration by Angela Feng by Nia Freeman From the comfortable shape of Apple’s AirPods to the simplicity of designing

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Blog

How to Optimize Your Graphics

How to Optimize Your Graphics Illustration by Ashley Sipe by Shemariah Solomon The number of followers a brand has on social media does not mean

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Alumni Spotlight

September Alumni Spotlight

September Alumni Spotlight: Lex Coelho Lex Coelho, a UNC and 1893 Brand Studio alumnae, always had a love for design and maximized her time on

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Blog

2022’s Top Marketing Tips and Tool

The advertising world is constantly advancing and changing. Businesses need to look out for these three important marketing strategies in 2022: video marketing, next-level user

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Alumni Spotlight

March Alum Spotlight: Nick Valego

Nick Valego, an alumnus of 1893 Brand Studio’s Campaigns team, is now a strategist at Wunderman Thompson Health – a global marketing and communications agency

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Case Studies

Case Study: The Helium Agency

By Lilly Behbehani    Helium Agency Background Helium Agency is a Durham-based full-service sports marketing agency specializing in content strategy, custom publishing, digital marketing and

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Case Studies

Case Study: WCHL Chapelboro

By Elizabeth Efird    Business Background  WCHL is a Chapel Hill-based radio station and news site that primarily serves the Carrboro and Chapel Hill areas.

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Blog

Effective Communication in Client Relationships

Strengthening Client Relationships Through Effective Communication Consistent, effective communication is essential to building healthy and productive client relationships. Forming long-lasting business connections is an essential

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Blog

How to Appeal to College Students

By Anna Southwell Targeting your business’s marketing efforts toward college students, especially for those located in a college town like Chapel Hill, is a valuable

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Blog

Tips for Video-Based Content

By: Matilda Marshall Every year, people are spending an increasing amount of time online.The problem for advertisers now is that the market is already saturated

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Top Tips for an Engaging Video

Top tips for an engaging video By Lucas Pruitt A common misconception is that promotional videos have to be difficult and costly. Fortunately, new technology

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Blog

What’s a Blog Good for?

What’s a blog good for? By Olivia Foley Now more than ever, businesses need more than just an online presence to connect with their customers

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Blog

Designing for Different Audiences

Photo by MockupEditor.com from Pexels Designing for Different Audiences By: Amy Metzinger  Great graphic and web design can communicate brand messaging, attract new people and easily share information

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Raw Health
Social Media Marketing Samples

Raw Health Products

Raw Health is a natural pain relief gel that has provided its product for more than a decade to its customers to relieve muscle strains,

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Blog

Why Your Brand’s Colors Matter

Why your brand’s colors matter By: Carson Elm-Picard As cliche it might sound, first impressions are important.  The first time a prospective customer lays eyes

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Building1
Graphic Design Samples

Building1 Email Newsletter Design

Building1 Email Newsletter Design Building1 offers professional office space and networking opportunities for yourself or for your new company. The graphic design team worked with

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eyes-ears-nose-paws
Social Media Marketing Samples

Eyes Ears Nose & Paws

Eyes Ears Nose & Paws Eyes Ears Nose & Paws is a service in Chapel Hill that creates a bond between humans and canines. The

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Web Development Samples

Trees Charlotte Treasure Trees

Trees Charlotte Treasure Trees Charlotte’s Treasure Trees recognizes and celebrates the grandest of the Queen City’s trees based on their size, age and/or historical value.

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Graphic Design Samples

Spirit Drivers

Spirit Drivers is a place for professional leaders to build deep relationships, embrace fulfilling work and change their world for the better. 1893 Brand Studio

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Graphic Design Samples

Raising Heels

Raising Heels: The weekly newsletter for UNC parents, brought to you by The Daily Tar Heel. This newsletter brings timely information to parents of UNC

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Graphic Design Samples

DTH At A Glance

DTH At A Glance The purpose of DTH At A Glance is to inform the UNC community on a daily basis of current events occurring

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WCHL: Pho Happiness

WCHL: Pho Happiness Raised in Vietnam, Andy Hoang, the owner and operator of Franklin Street’s Pho Happiness, immigrated to California in his late teens with

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WCHL: Tonya’s Cookies

WCHL: Tonya’s Cookies After several attempts to make a cookie that tasted like her grandmother’s pecan pie, Tonya Council was about to throw out another

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WCHL: Market and Moss

WCHL: Market and Moss Annie Johnston’s first job was as a server at Pazzo in Southern Village when she was in high school. Fifteen years

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WCHL: Brandwein’s Bagels

WCHL: Brandwein’s Bagels With a slightly crispy outside and a chewy airy inside, the boiled and baked bagels at Brandwein’s Bagels have the authenticity of

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