Steak ’n Shake is betting on bitcoin, and early results suggest the fast-food chain is seeing a significant return. The company reports a “dramatic” rise in same-store sales since implementing a strategy to accept bitcoin payments nine months ago, a move that has likewise allowed it to build a substantial bitcoin reserve for employee bonuses.
The burger chain’s embrace of cryptocurrency isn’t simply about accepting a novel form of payment; it’s a broader initiative to integrate digital assets into its operations. This includes adding $10 million worth of bitcoin to its corporate treasury and launching a bitcoin-themed burger, with a portion of proceeds donated to open-source bitcoin development. The move reflects a growing trend of businesses exploring the potential of cryptocurrency to attract customers and streamline financial processes.
According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, February 17, 2026, Steak ’n Shake’s “burger-to-Bitcoin transformation” has demonstrably boosted sales. The company’s chief operating officer, Dan Edwards, has stated that the chain saves approximately 50% on processing fees when customers pay with crypto, according to CoinDesk. This reduction in fees contributes directly to the company’s bottom line and allows for initiatives like the employee bonus program funded by the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The initial foray into bitcoin payments, which began in May 2025, reportedly led to a 10% increase in sales, CoinTelegraph reported. Since then, the company has continued to tie increased sales figures to its bitcoin adoption, with quarter-over-quarter growth outpacing major competitors like McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Taco Bell.
Building a Bitcoin Reserve
Central to Steak ’n Shake’s strategy is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Every bitcoin payment received is deposited into this reserve, creating a “self-reinforcing” cycle where increased customer spending fuels the growth of the reserve, which in turn supports employee bonuses. As of January 2026, the reserve had grown to $15 million, CoinTelegraph reported, a significant increase from the initial $10 million investment earlier in the year.
In October 2025, Steak ’n Shake further solidified its commitment to the cryptocurrency community by introducing a bitcoin-themed burger. A portion of the proceeds from each “Bitcoin Meal” sold is donated to support open-source bitcoin development, demonstrating a broader commitment to the ecosystem beyond simply accepting payments.
The Broader Trend of Crypto Payments
Steak ’n Shake’s experience highlights a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a viable payment method for everyday purchases. As Decrypt noted, the range of goods and services purchasable with cryptocurrency has expanded significantly beyond its early days as a niche technology. Consumers can now use digital assets to book travel, purchase electronics, and even pay recurring bills.
Still, the most significant shift may not be consumers actively choosing to pay with crypto, but rather the emergence of stablecoin cards. These cards allow users to hold value outside of traditional banking systems while still enabling spending within the existing financial infrastructure. This has sparked a “three-sided race” between card networks like Visa and Mastercard, stablecoin issuers such as Circle and Paxos, and FinTech companies vying for control of the “monetary layer” beneath these payment systems.
Card companies are actively working to integrate stablecoins into their networks to avoid being disrupted, while stablecoin issuers aim to become the foundational layer for these transactions. FinTechs, exchanges, and wallets are competing for customer ownership and the ability to issue these programs.
What’s Next for Bitcoin and Fast Food?
Steak ’n Shake’s success with bitcoin payments could encourage other businesses to explore similar strategies. The company’s model demonstrates a potential pathway for integrating cryptocurrency into existing business operations, offering benefits such as reduced transaction fees and increased customer engagement. The continued growth of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the expansion of bitcoin-related offerings will likely be key indicators of the long-term success of this initiative. It remains to be seen whether this trend will become widespread, but Steak ’n Shake’s experience provides a compelling case study for the potential of cryptocurrency in the fast-food industry and beyond.
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