 ▲ Steak ’n Shake begins accepting Bitcoin payments nationwide in the U.S./ChatGPT-generated image |
Steak ’n Shake, a well-known American fast-food chain, has drawn industry attention after reporting a sharp increase in sales following the introduction of a Bitcoin (BTC) payment system.
According to Cointelegraph on Feb. 16 (local time), the company announced that its Bitcoin treasury strategy, launched in May of last year, played a decisive role in boosting store sales growth and improving its financial structure. Steak ’n Shake has adopted a policy of retaining all customer payments made in Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset rather than converting them into fiat currency.
This strategy has enabled Steak ’n Shake to outperform competitors such as McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Taco Bell in terms of growth. The company reported same-store sales growth of 11% in the second quarter of 2025, which rose further to 15% in the third quarter. Through X (formerly Twitter), the company expressed gratitude to Bitcoin supporters, stating that the power of decentralized Bitcoin has successfully combined with real-world business operations.
The company is also accelerating recruitment efforts by incorporating Bitcoin into employee benefits. In partnership with Bitcoin rewards platform Fold, Steak ’n Shake introduced a program providing company-owned store hourly workers with a Bitcoin bonus equivalent to $0.21 per hour worked. The move is seen as a strategic effort to enhance loyalty among crypto-friendly Millennial, Gen Z, and Generation Alpha workers.
Steak ’n Shake’s current Bitcoin reserves are reportedly valued at approximately $15 million, amounting to about 161.6 BTC. Due to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations, the company is currently recording an unrealized loss of around 26% on its holdings. Nevertheless, it continues to steadily increase its reserves despite short-term price declines.
Ultimately, Bitcoin has evolved beyond a simple payment method to become a key driver of corporate branding and revenue growth. The fact that converting Bitcoin payment proceeds into assets has led to tangible sales increases at restaurant locations is expected to influence decision-making at other retail companies. Steak ’n Shake’s bold approach demonstrates the potential for new business models emerging from the convergence of digital assets and the real economy.
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