No Pawn Stars Here

The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop opened in Las Vegas (NV) in 1988.  It was a family run business, open 24 hours a day, located about 2 miles from the Las Vegas strip.  In 2009, it became the basis for a cable tv show called Pawn Stars.  Unfortunately, the reality differs from what the show presents.
On my trip to Vegas earlier this year, we wanted to check out the shop.  Various Vegas regulars warned us it was a waste of time, but we decided to go anyway, since we were right there.
We encountered a lengthy line, which translated to about an hour wait to get inside.  Once inside, we were basically herded through the jam-packed store.  Rick, Corey and Richard were nowhere to be found.  Rumor has it that they are in the backroom doing whaetever, but staying out of sight.
The only open area was the souvenir part of the shop.  Of course, that part is very fan-friendly.  Hmm...they don't care much for me, unless I am buying their merchandise.
Maybe the success of the show makes it impossible to be too fan friendly, but don't portray the scene as a laid back business with interesting people wandering in with unique items to sell.  I guess I should be happy that there was no entrance fee.

Me in the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, NV-March 2011.