Steak ‘N Shake Accepts Bitcoin Nationwide From May 16

Steak ‘N Shake, a prominent fast-food chain, has declared that all its outlets nationwide will start accepting Bitcoin payments starting from May 16. This move is part of a broader shift towards cryptocurrency adoption, providing over 100 million customers with the option to pay for their meals using Bitcoin (BTC). The company had been hinting at this development since March, when it began engaging with its followers on social media about the possibility of accepting Bitcoin.

The announcement was made through a post on the company's official account, stating that Bitcoin payments would be available at all locations starting May 16. The post also included a cryptic note suggesting that the company may explore accepting other forms of cryptocurrency in the future, indicating a potential expansion of its digital payment options. As of March 2025, Steak ‘N Shake operates approximately 393 restaurants across the U.S., with a significant presence in Florida, where around 20% of its branches are located.

This decision by Steak ‘N Shake is part of a growing trend among fast-food chains embracing cryptocurrency payments. Chipotle, for example, partnered with digital payment provider Flexa in 2022 to accept payments in nearly 100 different crypto assets across its 3,000 restaurants in the United States. Subway also trialed accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as early as 2013, although on a limited scale. Other notable examples include KFC's "Bitcoin Bucket" promotion in Canada and McDonald's acceptance of Bitcoin in Lugano, Switzerland. Burger King has accepted crypto gift cards and direct crypto payments in select countries, while Pizza Hut became one of the first mainstream outlets to accept BTC in El Salvador, where it was made legal tender in 2021.

Steak ‘N Shake's move to accept Bitcoin is not just about offering a new payment option; it is also about enhancing customer engagement and broadening the appeal of the brand. By embracing Bitcoin, Steak ‘N Shake is positioning itself as a forward-thinking company that is in tune with the evolving preferences of its customers. This decision could also attract a new demographic of tech-savvy consumers who are enthusiastic about cryptocurrencies. The company's proactive approach to integrating digital currencies into its payment system is a testament to its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

This development is significant as it marks a notable step in the mainstream adoption of digital currencies. While some restaurant chains have experimented with limited pilot programs, few have moved to full-scale implementation of crypto payments. Steak ‘N Shake's decision could pave the way for other fast-food chains to follow suit, further integrating digital currencies into everyday transactions. The company's enthusiasm for this new payment method was evident in an April statement where they declared, "The future is bright."