Although city permits restrict Manouchehr Nava’s vending times to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 p.m. on weeknights, many students said they enjoy grabbing one of his famous hot dogs after a late night of partying or studying.

Found six days a week outside Tower Records on 21st Street, Nava, known as “Manouch,” provides a change of atmosphere from indoor dining venues fopr students who enjoy hot dogs, pretzels and $5 packs of cigarettes.

Despite repeated fines for not abiding curfew hours, Nava is determined to continue working. He said he recently gave a thousand-signature petition supporting his late-night business to Councilman Jack Evans’ office, but received no response.

“Vendors come and go, but I have stayed involved,” Nava said.

Since he began vending near GW 18 years ago, Nava said late-night dining options have improved, but students need more choices. He said a small indoor venue on Kogan Plaza would be a perfect place for students to convene, but Aramark food services controls all campus dining.

“Manouch is the only place where I can actually buy good food late at night on weekends,” freshman Willy Craig said.

-Ellaine Gelman and Julie Gordon