- Steak ‘n Shake has announced it will begin accepting Bitcoin payments at all U.S. locations starting May 16
- The company has engaged customers with social media campaigns supporting the move, including a poll and themed branding
- This marks one of the first full-scale cryptocurrency integrations in the U.S. fast-food sector
U.S. restaurant chain Steak ‘n Shake is preparing to launch nationwide Bitcoin payments this week, allowing customers to pay for burgers and milkshakes using the world’s leading cryptocurrency. The rollout follows an enthusiastic online campaign and positions the restaurant chain at the forefront of crypto adoption in fast food. The announcement comes after a viral X post by the company asking whether Bitcoin should be accepted in-store, which it will be from Friday, May 16.
Swap Your Bitcoin for Burgers
Steak ‘n Shake’s March 7 X post gained widespread attention, with some big names chipping in with their responses:
yes
— jack (@jack) March 7, 2025
The overwhelmingly positive response encouraged the brand to embrace the idea, adopting the playful nickname “Steaktoshi” in tribute to Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator. The company confirmed in another X post on Friday that from May 16, all its locations will begin accepting Bitcoin via integrated payment terminals or QR code apps:
Steak n Shake accepting Bitcoin payments at all locations starting May 16, making the cryptocurrency available to our more than 100 million customers. The movement is just beginning….
—Steaktoshi pic.twitter.com/1SGMifDZep
— Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) May 9, 2025
With over 500 locations in the U.S., this is one of the largest crypto payment implementations yet by a national restaurant brand, although the announcement did garner a sprinkling of criticism:
Is this a joke? A $5 burger could cost over $8 with network fees and take over 20 minutes for payment to confirm. Now multiply experience that by hundreds of customers per location per day.
— John Lin (@CtrlAltJohn) May 9, 2025
The issue of speed is one that Steak ‘n Shake has yet to discuss, although there will have to be an off-chain system in place given the slow speed of Bitcoin transactions. The Lightning Network would seem to be the answer, but this does indeed introsduce another layer of complication into the proces..
Leading the Fast-Food Pack
While other food chains like Subway and Chipotle have trialed limited crypto payments in select locations, Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to go fully national marks a turning point. Industry watchers see it as a bold experiment, especially in an environment where price volatility and regulatory uncertainty still surround cryptocurrencies. Despite those risks, the company believes offering Bitcoin payments aligns with its brand and customer base. It has already begun posting promotional content online showcasing Bitcoin-themed menus and signage.
A successful implementation could set the stage for further adoption across the hospitality sector, especially if the payment method is as easy as using a debit or credit card. As more consumers become comfortable with digital assets, particularly younger demographics, businesses are under pressure to meet new expectations for flexibility and innovation. If this rollout proves successful, it may encourage other brands to follow suit — not just for novelty, but as a real evolution in payment infrastructure.
