Steak ‘n Shake to Accept Bitcoin at 393 U.S. Locations from May 16

Steak ‘n Shake, a prominent fast-food chain, has announced that it will begin accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment starting May 16 at 393 U.S. locations. This move is part of the company's strategy to integrate cryptocurrency into its payment systems, with plans to potentially expand this service to international locations at a later date. The company's Chief Operating Officer, Dan Edwards, confirmed this development, stating that the goal is to utilize Bitcoin at all locations, including international units, with each country announcing its own launch date.

The announcement was made through the company's official X account, where it posted, “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,” signed as “Steaktoshi,” a nod to Bitcoin’s anonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Following the announcement, the company added a Bitcoin logo to its website, indicating that Bitcoin payments would be accepted starting May 16, 2025, at all locations.

This news follows a series of social media teasers from the company, including an AI-generated image of a starship emblazoned with the Bitcoin logo and an advertisement highlighting the company’s shift to using beef tallow for all fried foods. The intersection of Bitcoin and beef tallow is noteworthy, as a health-conscious sub-sect of the Bitcoin community prefers beef tallow over seed oils commonly used in fast food. Steak ‘n Shake’s latest campaigns may be aimed at tapping into this population’s digital wallets.

Steak ‘n Shake did not provide details about the software or solutions it will use to accept Bitcoin as payment. However, if integrated, Steak ‘n Shake would join a select group of major fast-food chains in the United States that accept Bitcoin. Notably, Chipotle began accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies via Flexa in 2022. This move by Steak ‘n Shake underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream retail environments and positions the company as a forward-thinking brand in the fast-food industry.

In summary, Steak ‘n Shake's decision to accept Bitcoin payments starting May 16 is a strategic move that aligns with the company's goal of providing innovative and convenient payment options to its customers. This initiative not only enhances the customer experience but also positions Steak ‘n Shake as a leader in the adoption of cryptocurrency in the fast-food industry. The company's proactive approach demonstrates its dedication to customer satisfaction and its willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of financial transactions. By offering Bitcoin as a payment method, Steak ‘n Shake is likely to attract tech-savvy customers who prefer the convenience and security of digital currencies.