Certain hourly employees at national fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake will soon begin earning a bonus that could be worth thousands, or almost nothing at all. The chain known for its Steakburgers, fries, and milkshakes says specific employees will be paid a bonus in Bitcoin through a partnership with the Fold app.
“Starting March 1, Steak ‘n Shake will give all hourly employees at its company-operated restaurants a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked. Employees will be able to collect their Bitcoin pay after a two-year vesting period. Thank you, @Fold_app, for the assist. We take care of our employees; they, in turn, take care of customers; and the results take care of themselves,” the company wrote in a social media post on Jan. 20.
The decision to pay the bonus in Bitcoin comes after Steak ‘n Shake announced last year that it would begin accepting Bitcoin as payment at restaurants where legally permitted. All Bitcoin sales go to the company’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. On Jan. 16, 2026, the company confirmed it increased its Bitcoin exposure by $10,000,000 in notional value.
“We have created a self-sustaining system — growing same-store sales that grow the SBR. Improving food quality expands Steak ‘n Shake’s reach and leverages Bitcoin into a new and delicious dimension,” the company wrote.
Under the terms of the bonus plan, an employee who works 40 hours a week will earn $436.80 worth of Bitcoin per year. The value of Bitcoin continuously fluctuates so there’s no way to know what the bonus will be worth until it vests after two years and the employee is given the Bitcoin.
The investment in Bitcoin has paid off for Steak ‘n Shake as it reportedly saves 50% in processing fees on Bitcoin transactions. The company also saw same-store sales increase by 10% shortly after it began accepting Bitcoin. By embracing the cryptocurrency, Steak ‘n Shake said it hoped to attract a younger customer base that uses Bitcoin.
During a Bitcoin conference in May 2025, Steak ‘n Shake executive Dan Edwards touted the move.
“Our experience so far with Bitcoin has been that it is faster than credit cards,” Edwards said before referencing the savings on processing. “This means that Bitcoin is a win for the customer, it’s a win for us as the merchant, and it’s a win for you in the Bitcoin community.”