Frankly, it’s his dream job.
A furloughed IRS lawyer is living out his lifelong ambition while furloughed during the government shutdown — operating his own hot dog cart.
A suit-clad Isaac Stein has been operating “Shysters” hot dog cart in nation’s capitol since the funding for federal agencies dried up on Oct. 1 — hocking wieners, Moon Pies, and RC Cola to DC residents.
“The Only Honest Ripoff in DC” Stein said is the cheeky slogan for his business, which has been the realization of a childhood dream that took hold at age 12 when he manned a concession stand during a basketball game, he said.
“All the other boys were interested in the game,” Stein told Reuters. “I had way more interest selling chips and soda.”
Initially meant only to be a “fun weekend project” which the 31-year-old shelled out a five-figure some to secure, it has now become not only his means of employment but a sense of community.
“There’s a connection with people. There’s the small talk of asking people about their day. It’s like reading vignettes in a novel. You feel really connected,” he said.
“My office job is wonderful but a lot of the work is very solitary,” he confessed.
The cart offers “The Only Choice: Correct Hot Dog and Drink” which includes a steamed frank, spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut. He also offers Chicago-style giardiniera.
“If someone recites the historical significance of RC Cola and Moon Pies, I give them a nickel off,” Stein said of what was once termed “the working man’s lunch.”
With Post Wires
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