Federal Workers Adjust to Shutdown
A month into the government shutdown, many federal employees are still on furlough. One of them is Isaac Stein, who typically works as an IRS attorney. On a bright Sunday in his Washington, D.C. neighborhood, he found himself managing a hot dog stand named Shyster’s Dogs, humorously advertised as “Washington, D.C.’s only honest rip-off.”
“We’re tossing hot dogs around and having a blast,” Stein shared, explaining that prices for hot dogs and drinks are set at $10 or $17. Plus, if you buy two hot dogs, there’s a bonus bag of chips.
This venture fulfills a childhood dream for him. Stein reminisced about how, while others played basketball during school days, he relished working the concession stand. Finally, this summer, he decided to take the plunge and open his own. However, things took an unexpected turn when he was furloughed on October 8, a few weeks after getting all permits sorted out.
Now, with unexpected free time on his hands, what began as a side gig has become a full-time commitment. The menu is straightforward: options like “the right hot dog” and “the hot dog with the wrong toppings” prompt some lighthearted choices. “I generally advocate for what I consider the right dog, which has mustard and sauerkraut,” he mentioned. But he’s open to variations—”no judgment,” he adds—though he cheekily warns about potential “fines” for the alternative toppings.
The rest of his menu includes nostalgic items like RC Cola, which Stein passionately believes is the best cola out there, along with Moon Pies and dog treats. He even offers a small discount for patrons who can recite the historical significance of either Moon Pie or RC Cola, and a humorous line item titled “SHIRT OFF MY BACK” on the menu.
“If someone coughs too much, I really take off my shirt, call it a day, and just head home,” he joked. So far, though, no one has taken up that offer.
His current sales hover around 50 hot dogs per day, and he’s eager to get back to his IRS job when the shutdown ends. “Yet, I’m not ready to give up on this venture,” he insisted. “I could see it being a weekend gig for life.” He hopes his hot dog stand brings laughter to people in the community, even if it means he has to impose a 10% tax on orders with “wrong toppings.”
