In a notable shift within the fast-food industry, Steak ’n Shake has reported a significant increase in sales, attributing this boost to its recent adoption of cryptocurrency payments, specifically Bitcoin. The chain made headlines on February 17 when it shared its success story on X, highlighting the positive impact that accepting Bitcoin has had on its business.
Steak ’n Shake commenced its burger-to-Bitcoin initiative nine months ago, introducing Bitcoin as a payment option in May 2025. Initial reports indicated that this decision led to a 10% rise in sales, and the trend appears to have continued. The company noted in its recent announcement that same-store sales have escalated dramatically since the launch. Each Bitcoin payment made at Steak ’n Shake goes into a reserve fund, which is subsequently utilized to implement “Bitcoin bonus pay” for employees, thereby creating a direct benefit for workers through this cryptocurrency integration.
In addition to its payment system, Steak ’n Shake has taken further steps to engage its customers by introducing a Bitcoin-themed burger to its menu in October. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase of the “Bitcoin Meal” is allocated to support open-source Bitcoin development, showcasing the chain’s commitment to the cryptocurrency community.
The fast food chain has also bolstered its financial standing by adding $10 million worth of Bitcoin to its corporate treasury, creating a self-sustaining cycle where increased sales from cryptocurrency payments contribute to a growing reserve of digital assets.
This trend reflects a broader narrative within the retail sector, as the use of cryptocurrency to facilitate everyday transactions continues to gain traction. According to PYMNTS, the range of products and services that can be purchased using cryptocurrency has expanded considerably. Today, consumers can utilize digital currencies for diverse needs—ranging from travel bookings and electronics purchases to paying for cloud services and even handling recurring bills through intermediaries that convert crypto into local currency at points of sale.
The rise of stablecoin cards is anticipated to further transform this landscape. These cards enable users to retain value outside traditional banking systems while conducting transactions within their ecosystems. As this technology evolves, the competitive dynamics among card networks, stablecoin issuers, and financial technology companies will become increasingly crucial. Card networks like Visa and Mastercard are racing to incorporate stablecoins, aiming to secure their position before the risk of disintermediation escalates.
As Steak ’n Shake’s experience illustrates, the incorporation of cryptocurrency is not merely a novelty but a strategic move that can significantly influence business performance, employee benefits, and consumer engagement in today’s evolving marketplace.
