Nine months after introducing Bitcoin payments, popular U.S. burger chain Steak ‘n Shake says its pivot toward crypto is paying off — both at the register and on the balance sheet.
Summary
- Steak ’n Shake says same-store sales have risen sharply since it began accepting Bitcoin payments nine months ago.
- Bitcoin payments are directed into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which helps fund Bitcoin-based bonus pay for employees.
- The company says it has combined its cash-generating restaurant business with Bitcoin’s long-term potential, deepening its crypto commitment.
In a recent post marking the anniversary of the launch, the company wrote that since customers began paying in Bitcoin (BTC), same-store sales have “risen dramatically” and all Bitcoin receipts now flow into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve that helps fund employee bonuses and other initiatives.
Steak ’n Shake ties sales growth to Bitcoin payment strategy
Steak ‘n Shake first rolled out Bitcoin acceptance in May 2025 via the Lightning Network, allowing customers to pay for burgers and shakes directly with Bitcoin at all U.S. locations.
This isn’t merely a gimmick: the Lightning Network cuts payment fees by up to half compared with traditional credit cards, a meaningful benefit for a restaurant industry that operates on slim margins.
According to the chain, they have seen same-store sales climb by double-digit percentages since the rollout. Some estimates put recent growth at around 15–18%, data that’s notable when compared with broader retail and restaurant trends.
Rather than converting Bitcoin payments into dollars, Steak ‘n Shake stores all BTC it receives into its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). Recent disclosures suggest the reserve now holds roughly $15 million worth of Bitcoin, reflecting continuous accumulation from everyday sales and additional strategic buys.
The company describes this reserve as part of a self-reinforcing cycle: customers pay in Bitcoin, sales rise, reserve grows, and those crypto proceeds help fund new initiatives — including Bitcoin bonus pay for employees.
Steak ‘n Shake’s approach stands out as one of the boldest real-world uses of Bitcoin in retail. While other merchants have dabbled in cryptocurrencies, few have integrated them so deeply into their business model.
If sustained, this model could provide a blueprint for how mainstream businesses use crypto not just as an optional payment channel, but as an operational and strategic asset.
Thank you Bitcoiners! — the company concluded in its anniversary post, underscoring its commitment to blending traditional business with digital currency innovation.
