OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — The ongoing federal government shutdown is hitting Ogden, affecting restaurants and shops near federal buildings particularly strongly.

Furloughed workers from agencies like the IRS are going without pay, and that's directly affecting local businesses that depend on their patronage. Some restaurant owners told ABC4 that they've had to reduce staff hours, simplify their menus, and get creative just to stay afloat.

Inside Two Bit Bistro along 25th Street, it’s unusually quiet, and owner Andrew Shorts blamed the slowdown on the shutdown.

“We’ve seen a dramatic fall in business. It kind of feels like it gets worse every day the furlough continues,” said Shorts.

Recently, the IRS announced furloughs affecting nearly 34,000 employees nationwide, including many in Ogden.

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