IRS lawyer starts hot dog stand during shutdown, says he’s “never felt so free and fulfilled”

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When a government shutdown temporarily put IRS lawyer Isaac Stein out of a job, he started a hot dog cart called Shysters Dogs.

Stein, an attorney with the IRS in Washington, D.C., had been considering starting a food stand for about two years. When he was furloughed on October 8th, he decided to pursue it full-time. He explained in a recent TikTok video to CNN that the furlough gave him the time to focus on the business during the week.

I work as a tax lawyer, specifically writing the rules for retirement plans. I always dress in a suit when I’m working, and I do it on purpose. It’s my way of making a statement about the different social classes in the city.

“Pure, unadulterated happiness and joy”

Stein shared that operating the cart has brought him more satisfaction than he anticipated. He told CNN that the common thread in his interactions with customers is simply seeing their genuine happiness and enjoyment.

He’s looking forward to going back to his office job when the government reopens, but he also wants to continue running his hot dog business on Fridays and weekends. He says most people just want to get back to work and serve the public, but he admits that working with mustard instead of paperwork has been surprisingly liberating and rewarding.

A CNN video featuring Stein has quickly become popular online, with many people applauding her funny and positive attitude despite the current closures.

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2025-11-01 21:48