The American fast food chain, Steak ‘n ShakeBitcoin payments are set to make history as the American fast food chain announced it will begin accepting Bitcoin (BTC) at all of its U.S. locations starting May 16th, giving its more than 100 million customers the option to pay for milkshakes and burgers with the world’s largest cryptocurrency.
“The movement is just beginning,” the company posted on X, signaling its commitment to embracing the growing crypto ecosystem.
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….
Unlike high-margin retailers, fast food chains operate on thin margins and high volume, making Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin rollout a real-world stress test for the cryptocurrency’s speed, cost, and usability at scale. This move not only highlights the chain’s forward-thinking approach but also underscores the potential for broader adoption in everyday transactions.
From Tease to Reality: The Road to Bitcoin Integration
The integration was initially teased in March when Steak ‘n Shake posed a simple yet provocative question on social media: “Should Steak ‘n Shake accept Bitcoin?” The tweet quickly gained traction, drawing engagement from prominent figures like former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey , who enthusiastically replied with a “yes.”
Since then, the company has built momentum through crypto-curious marketing campaigns, including playful references to Bitcoin’s cultural iconography. In one instance, Steak ‘n Shake tweeted an image of a Mars-bound cargo ship stamped with the Bitcoin logo, tying into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vocal promotion of beef tallow and Elon Musk’s interplanetary aspirations . These efforts culminated in Thursday’s formal announcement, solidifying the chain’s place in the crypto movement.
Steak ‘n Shake joins a growing list of fast food chains experimenting with cryptocurrency payments, though few have implemented full-scale adoption like this.
Chipotle began accepting nearly 100 cryptocurrencies via Flexa in 2022, including Bitcoin, Ether (ETH), and Solana (SOL).
Subway piloted Bitcoin payments as far back as 2013, while KFC Canada made headlines in 2018 with its “Bitcoin Bucket” promotion.
McDonald’s accepts Bitcoin in Lugano, Switzerland, as part of a local initiative, and Burger King has tested crypto gift cards and direct payments in select countries.
Even Pizza Hut joined the movement in El Salvador, where Bitcoin became legal tender in 2021. These examples highlight the growing intersection of fast food and digital currencies, with Steak ‘n Shake now stepping into the spotlight.
A Nod to Bitcoin’s Origins
The inclusion of Bitcoin in fast food payments carries historical significance, echoing the first-ever Bitcoin transaction. On May 22, 2010 , programmer Laszlo Hanyecz famously paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, an event now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day . At the time, those pizzas were worth $40 —today, they would be valued at over $1 billion .
By accepting Bitcoin, Steak ‘n Shake pays homage to this pivotal moment in crypto history while paving the way for future innovations in digital payments.
Why This Matters for Crypto Adoption
Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to accept Bitcoin represents a significant step in mainstream adoption. While other chains have tested limited pilot programs, few have committed to rolling out cryptocurrency payments across all locations.
This move could inspire other businesses to follow suit, particularly in industries where convenience and accessibility are paramount. By integrating Bitcoin payments, Steak ‘n Shake is catering to tech-savvy customers while normalizing the use of cryptocurrency in everyday transactions.
What This Means for Crypto and Fast Food
Steak ‘n Shake’s embrace of Bitcoin is a landmark moment for the fast food industry and the crypto community. By enabling customers to pay with Bitcoin, the chain is bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized technology.
As more businesses explore the potential of digital currencies, initiatives like this could reshape how we think about money, payments, and even fast food. Whether you’re grabbing a burger or celebrating Bitcoin Pizza Day , the future of crypto payments is looking tastier than ever.
Looking Ahead
As the May 16 launch approaches, the fast food industry—and the broader retail sector—will be watching closely to see how this bold experiment unfolds. Will other chains accelerate their adoption of crypto payments? Could this pave the way for more widespread use of digital currencies in daily life?
For now, Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to accept Bitcoin is a testament to the growing influence of cryptocurrency in mainstream commerce. It reflects a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and practicality, appealing to both longtime crypto enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
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