Overview
- Isaac Stein, 31, has been selling Hebrew National hot dogs, Moon Pies, and RC Cola from a cart branded 'SHYSTERS' in Washington, D.C.'s NoMa neighborhood.
- He reports serving roughly 40 to 50 customers daily and earning about $200 to $300 in profit each day during his furlough.
- The cart required months of preparation, including health, fire, and consumer protection inspections, a vehicle registration, and a sidewalk permit, which he says he researched by reading about 150 pages of rules.
- Stein operates in a suit and tie as part of a tongue‑in‑cheek presentation that includes the slogan 'The Only Honest Ripoff in D.C.' and a menu that playfully penalizes 'wrong' toppings.
- He invested a five‑figure sum to launch the cart and now runs it most days during the furlough, typically from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays at First and M Street NE.