During the nearly monthlong government shutdown, 31-year-old IRS tax attorney Isaac Stein is turning a childhood dream into reality. With offices closed and extra time on his hands, Stein launched “Shysters Dogs,” a hot dog stand near 1st and M streets Northeast in Washington, D.C., selling mustard-and-sauerkraut hot dogs paired with RC Cola for $10.
Anticipating the shutdown, he started the permitting process in September and officially opened on October 8. Each day, Stein dresses in a sharp black suit, crisp white shirt, and red tie, pushing his cart from a nearby commercial kitchen to his lunchtime spot. Lines of customers, sometimes 25 people deep, eagerly wait for a taste of his unique style hot dogs, drawn by both the food and Stein’s welcoming presence.
Stein runs the stand entirely on his own, serving a mix of government workers, tech employees, and locals. The experience has been a joyful one, letting him connect with the community and share in daily conversations while fulfilling a dream he’s long held. Due to its popularity, he plans to continue running the stand on weekends even after returning to his federal job, keeping the passion alive while maintaining his day-to-day career.