Key Takeaways
- Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin holdings have grown to $10 million following a dramatic sales rise.
- The chain rolled out Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network across all US locations last May.
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Steak ‘n Shake announced today that its strategic Bitcoin reserve has grown by $10 million after pledging to build its reserve using all Bitcoin payments.
The American fast-food chain began allowing customers to pay with Bitcoin at all US locations last May via the Lightning Network. The move has been backed by many members of the crypto community, including Block CEO Jack Dorsey.
Since adopting Bitcoin payments, Steak ‘n Shake has seen a boost in sales. The company said growth rose 15% month over month in the fourth quarter of 2025.
“We have created a self-sustaining system — growing same-store sales that grow the SBR,” the company said via its official X account. “Improving food quality expands Steak n Shake’s reach and leverages Bitcoin into a new and delicious dimension.”
Several merchants have explored integrating Bitcoin into their payment systems, with Steak ‘n Shake among the few to scale it to a nationwide level.
The trend of accepting Bitcoin payments is also spreading globally.
SPAR, one of the world’s largest retail franchises, has accepted Bitcoin in a supermarket in Zug, Switzerland, since early last year.
Likewise, airline giant Emirates plans to accept Bitcoin and other crypto assets for flights and services starting this year.