During the ongoing federal government shutdown, one furloughed IRS attorney has traded tax code for hot dogs, launching a street food venture that has captured the attention of Washington, D.C. Isaac Stein, a lawyer for the IRS Chief Counsel’s office, now spends his days operating Shyster’s Dogs, a hot dog cart he opened after being temporarily put out of work.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has left thousands of federal employees in limbo. For Stein, however, the furlough provided an unexpected opportunity to pursue a passion that began in middle school, turning a sidewalk corner into a hub for community connection and comfort food.
Key Takeaways
- Isaac Stein, an IRS tax attorney, started a hot dog cart named Shyster's Dogs while furloughed during the government shutdown.
- The shutdown, now in its fifth week, has furloughed 34,429 of the IRS's 74,299 employees.
- Stein's venture was a long-held dream, originally planned as a weekend project before the shutdown accelerated his plans.
- The cart has gained significant social media attention, and Stein plans to continue operating it on weekends after returning to his government job.
From Tax Law to Street Food
Isaac Stein’s daily commute used to take him to the IRS Chief Counsel's office, where he specialized in complex employee benefits law. Since early October, his workplace has been the corner of First and M streets, Northeast, where he serves hot dogs from a cart with a playfully ironic name: Shyster’s Dogs.
The transition wasn't a snap decision born from the shutdown. Stein's interest in food service dates back to his time on the seventh-grade basketball team. He recalls being more captivated by working the concession stand during a school event than by the game itself. “I had way more interest selling chips and soda than I had in the game,” he said, explaining that the experience of connecting with people sparked a lasting dream.
While his career path led him to law school and a prestigious role at the IRS, the idea of running a food business never faded. He acquired the cart in August, intending it to be a creative weekend project. However, when the government shutdown furloughed him along with nearly half of the IRS workforce, his weekend plan became a full-time reality.
The Government Shutdown's Impact on the IRS
The current government shutdown has significantly impacted federal agencies. According to the IRS contingency plan, 34,429 employees were subject to furlough out of a total workforce of 74,299. This comes at a time when the agency's staffing levels have already seen a decline, down from 90,516 full-time equivalent staff in 2024.
Navigating Bureaucracy for a Hot Dog Dream
Before he could serve a single hot dog, Stein, an expert in government regulations, had to navigate a different kind of red tape. The process of getting Shyster's Dogs permitted was a lesson in the challenges small business owners face.
He discovered a series of bureaucratic hurdles. For instance, a health inspection could not be scheduled until the cart was registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV registration, in turn, required an emissions inspection—a peculiar requirement for a cart with no motor. Stein recalls pushing the cart three and a half miles each way to the DMV to complete the process before starting his workday at the IRS.
By the third week of September, he was fully licensed. What was meant to be a side hustle was suddenly his primary occupation. The experience, he noted, has given him a profound respect for the resilience and hard work of small business owners.
A Playful Brand with a Purpose
The name "Shyster’s Dogs" and the motto, “The only honest ripoff in D.C.,” are part of what Stein calls "the schtick." The term 'shyster' is slang for an unscrupulous lawyer, a self-aware joke that belies his commitment to running a fully compliant business.
More Than Just a Meal
Stein believes hot dogs are more than just food; they are tied to memories. “Hot dogs are an emotional food,” he explained. “Everyone has their own unique and special connection to it—often it is linked to someone's first experience at a baseball game, or the first time that they went to the beach.”
His goal is to create a space for simple, unadulterated happiness and human connection. The shutdown has made this mission even more meaningful. “I’ve really been overjoyed at the organic interactions that people have been having just hanging out for a hot dog,” Stein said. “I’ve interacted with a lot of interesting, accomplished people.”
His customers have included colleagues from the tax community and strangers who have become regulars. This impromptu community hub has also become a social media sensation. Stein has amassed over 5,000 followers on Instagram, where he documents his journey. He is also selling merchandise, with 50% of after-tax profits pledged to charities supporting food banks, autism services, and cancer research.
"Part of what I'm trying to bring to people is unadulterated happiness."
A Distinguished Legal Career
While his hot dog cart has made him famous, Stein is also an accomplished attorney. He joined the IRS Chief Counsel’s office on September 12, 2022, and quickly made his mark, focusing on ERISA and employee benefits. He was the principal author of Notice 2024-63, significant guidance related to the SECURE 2.0 Act. The notice allows employers to make matching contributions to retirement plans based on an employee's student loan payments.
Despite his newfound success as a food vendor, Stein is clear about his future plans. He is eager to return to his job and his colleagues at the IRS. “I'm very much looking forward to it,” he stated, emphasizing his passion for his legal work.
However, Shyster's Dogs is here to stay. Once the shutdown ends and he returns to the office, Stein plans to operate the cart on Fridays and weekends, fulfilling his original vision. For now, he continues to serve up hot dogs and a bit of joy to a city navigating uncertain times.
