Steak ‘n Shake Embraces Bitcoin Payments at All Locations Worldwide
Fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake has made a bold move by expanding its payment options to include Bitcoin (BTC) at all of its locations globally, where regulations permit. The rollout, which began on May 16, utilizes the Lightning Network to enable faster and lower-cost transactions.
The company’s COO, Dan Edwards, made the exciting revelation at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas on May 27. The announcement was met with great enthusiasm from attendees, including a keynote by Senator Cynthia Lummis and Council of Advisers for Digital Assets executive director Bo Hines.
Initial Response Exceeds Expectations
Edwards shared that the initial response to the integration of Bitcoin payments at Steak ‘n Shake locations exceeded expectations. On the first day alone, Steak ‘n Shake accounted for 1 out of every 500 Bitcoin transactions worldwide. Customers were eager to use Bitcoin as a payment method in a real-world retail setting.
The financial benefits of integrating Bitcoin payments have also been significant for Steak ‘n Shake. The company has been able to reduce its payment processing fees by approximately 50% compared to traditional credit card transactions, thanks to the efficiency of the Lightning Network.
Long-Term Commitment to Bitcoin
Edwards emphasized that the decision to integrate Bitcoin was not a promotional experiment or limited-time offering. It is a serious and permanent addition to the company’s payment infrastructure. Steak ‘n Shake now supports Bitcoin alongside traditional fiat methods.
To celebrate the launch, several locations in Las Vegas introduced special Bitcoin-themed menu items, including the Bitcoin Burger, Super-Sized Bitcoin Meal, and Bitcoin Milkshake. The company is also working on a new “blockchain menu” as part of its continued evolution.
Seamless Implementation and Increased Transaction Activity
Technical implementation of Bitcoin payments at Steak ‘n Shake was designed to be seamless and accessible for customers. Since enabling Bitcoin payments, the company has observed a sustained increase in transaction activity. Customers have quickly adapted to paying in Bitcoin and have been returning for repeat purchases.
In addition to payment acceptance, Steak ‘n Shake is investing in broader digital transformation. Plans involving autonomous systems, AI, and blockchain-related technology are in the works, with the company actively hiring engineers to support these initiatives.
Edwards concluded his remarks by highlighting Bitcoin’s growing utility in retail and hospitality environments. The integration of Bitcoin payments at Steak ‘n Shake is a testament to the company’s commitment to meeting customer expectations and embracing new technology standards.