WASHINGTON — As the federal government shutdown stretches on, some furloughed workers are finding creative ways to fill their time — and their wallets. One of them is Isaac Stein, a federal lawyer who turned his unexpected time off into a flavorful new venture: a hot dog stand in NoMa.

Stein opened Shysters Dogs at the corner of First and M streets Northeast in June as part of an art project. But when he was furloughed earlier this month, what started as a hobby quickly became his full-time focus.

“People seem to be responding really well, and I’m just overjoyed,” Stein said. “I really feel like the community has my back. It brings me so much joy to make people laugh and smile.”

On an average day, Shysters Dogs serves 40 to 50 customers — but Stein says business has grown since th

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