Issac Stein, a DC-based lawyer for the IRS, would usually be writing tax regulations, but amid the government shutdown, can now be seen working at his hot dog stand, “Shysters Dogs.”
The stand has been a lifelong dream of Stein throughout his childhood. He obtained all the permits in late September and began the stand as a side project before the shutdown. However, after being furloughed on October 8, he decided to convert his weekend hobby into a seven-day-a-week operation. Its motto is, “the only honest ripoff in DC.”
While vending, Stein ironically wears a formal suit and tie.
“Part of the culture of this city is that clothes have a lot to do with social positioning, so, it’s intended as an artistic comment,” said Stein in an interview with CNN.
Issac’s stand has quickly become a community hotspot, having only been open full time for a few weeks. He is currently selling about 60 hotdogs a day, the maximum capacity his cart can hold. His new business also turns a profit, with customers driving from surrounding Virginia and Maryland to take a look at the newly viral cart.
The menu of Stein’s stand is humorous as well. The menu board features what Stein deems a “correct hotdog,” consisting of mustard and sauerkraut, and a “hotdog with the wrong toppings,” which is any hotdog with modifications to what Stein considers best, and has a 10% tax for ordering the “wrong toppings.” Also available on the menu: MoonPies, dog treats, and “SHIRT OFF MY BACK” selling for $1,000, with “Dignity and shirt tie sold separately.”
“I’m just trying to bring people joy and make them laugh and smile. And if one person a day laughs at that menu, that’s wonderful,” Stein said to Spectrum News.
Although this stand has been a dream come true, Stein hopes to get back to his IRS job as soon as possible, but he is still determined to run the stand on the weekends once the government reopens.
“Hopefully soon I will go back to my office job and continue to operate this on Fridays and weekends. Everyone just wants to get back to work and keep serving the American people,” Stein said to CNN.
In the meantime, Issac Stein remains on the streets of DC, bringing laughter and happiness to the community.
