"A "plurality but not the majority" of his customers order a steamed hot dog served with spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut, which Stein describes on his menu as 'The Only Choice: Correct Hot Dog and Drink'. ... The menu is a blend of nostalgia and regional flair: Hebrew National hot dogs and Chicago-style giardiniera, as well as Moon Pies and RC Cola for Southern patrons, and free, hot dog-shaped dog treats."
"What started as a weekend side gig has turned into a full-time, street-side enterprise while the government remains shut down. Instead of reading the tax code, Stein now reads his customers, describing the experience as a series of 'vignettes in a novel' - brief glimpses into real lives, one hot dog at a time. 'You feel really connected,' he said."
Washington's government shutdown left skilled professionals furloughed and seeking alternate work. Isaac Stein, a 31-year-old IRS attorney, chose to run a hot dog cart named SHYSTERS during his federal furlough, styling the operation as both performance art and a food business. The cart emphasizes humorous legal irony, formal attire, and a carefully curated menu featuring Hebrew National hot dogs, Chicago-style giardiniera, Moon Pies and RC Cola. Stein invested five figures to build the cart, began as a weekend side gig, and expanded to full-time vending while the shutdown persists. He connects with customers through brief personal interactions and small promotional touches.
Read at Above the Law
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