Bitcoin Adoption Accelerates: Steak ‘n Shake’s Strategic Expansion into El Salvador

On December 23, 2025, a significant development in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency unfolded as the iconic U.S. fast-food chain, Steak ‘n Shake, announced its expansion into El Salvador. This move is not merely a business venture but a strategic alignment with the nation's groundbreaking Bitcoin policy. By accepting Bitcoin (BTC) as a payment method, the chain is directly capitalizing on El Salvador's 2021 landmark decision to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, marking the restaurant's debut in Latin America. The expansion is a powerful signal of growing corporate confidence in the real-world utility and transactional viability of cryptocurrencies. Dan Edwards, the Chief Operating Officer, highlighted El Salvador's unique position as a 'Bitcoin nation,' underscoring the strategic rationale behind this move. This development represents a tangible step forward in the integration of digital assets into everyday commerce and consumer behavior. For investors and observers in the cryptocurrency space, it reinforces the bullish thesis that adoption is moving beyond speculative trading into practical, widespread use. Such corporate endorsements validate Bitcoin's evolving role as a medium of exchange and bolster its long-term value proposition within the global financial ecosystem. The entry of a major international brand into a Bitcoin-friendly market like El Salvador serves as a potential catalyst, encouraging further merchant adoption and strengthening the network effect that is fundamental to Bitcoin's growing utility and, consequently, its future price trajectory.

Steak ‘n Shake Expands to El Salvador with Bitcoin Payments

Steak ‘n Shake, the iconic U.S. fast-food chain, is making its Latin American debut in El Salvador—a strategic move aligning with the nation's pioneering Bitcoin adoption. The restaurant will accept BTC payments, capitalizing on El Salvador's 2021 decision to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender.

The expansion signals growing corporate confidence in cryptocurrency utility. COO Dan Edwards emphasized El Salvador's status as "Bitcoin Country" during the bitcoin Historico event, framing the launch as a natural progression for the chain, which already accepts BTC in U.S. locations.

This development underscores the tangible commercial benefits of El Salvador's pro-crypto policies, attracting businesses seeking to integrate digital assets into mainstream commerce. The MOVE further legitimizes Bitcoin's role in cross-border retail operations.

Bitcoin Faces Mounting Bearish Pressure as Key Metrics Signal Further Decline

Bitcoin's rally appears to be losing steam as the cryptocurrency slides toward the $95,000 range, weighed down by a confluence of technical and macroeconomic factors. The asset has breached both short-term and medium-term moving averages—historically reliable indicators of impending corrections.

Whale activity has compounded the downturn, with large holders offloading positions amid significant outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. This marks a stark reversal from earlier institutional accumulation patterns, suggesting waning appetite at current levels.

The correlation with equity markets has turned problematic, with Bitcoin now exhibiting asymmetric sensitivity—reacting more sharply to tech stock declines than rallies. Persistent volatility reflects broader risk-off sentiment overwhelming previous tailwinds like rate-cut expectations and ETF optimism.

Harvard University Expands Bitcoin ETF Holdings in Defiance of Traditional Expectations

Harvard University, with its $57 billion endowment fund, has significantly increased its exposure to Bitcoin through ETF investments. The Ivy League institution now ranks 16th among IBIT holders, allocating approximately 1% of its half-trillion-dollar portfolio to cryptocurrency vehicles. This move signals growing institutional acceptance despite Bitcoin's volatile nature.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted the rarity of elite endowments embracing crypto ETFs, calling Harvard's position "the best endorsement an ETF can receive." The revelation came through mandatory 13F filings, which showed Harvard's growing conviction during Q3 2024.

The development underscores a broader trend of traditional finance institutions cautiously exploring digital assets. While the allocation remains modest, Harvard's participation lends credibility to Bitcoin's maturation as an asset class. "When institutions like Harvard move," observes Balchunas, "the market takes notice—even if the position represents just a fraction of their war chest."

Bitcoin Tests Critical Support Amid Macro Uncertainty

Bitcoin's price action mirrors historical patterns as it struggles to hold the $95,000 support level. The current sell-off, triggered by post-U.S. government shutdown turbulence, bears striking similarities to 2019's reaction—when BTC also dipped sharply after federal operations resumed.

Analysts highlight a cyclical rhythm: seven pullbacks averaging 25% in 2025, echoing 2017's structure of seven ~37% dips before parabolic rallies. The last three corrections in both cycles show nearly identical behavior—late 2017 saw 39%, 41%, and 33% plunges prior to bull runs.

Market observers note this isn't anomaly but rather Bitcoin's recurring response to macro resets. One chartist tweeted comparative data showing BTC's nearly identical 2019 shutdown-recovery drop, suggesting institutional flows remain sensitive to fiscal policy clarity.

CryptoAppsy Emerges as Essential Tool for Real-Time Cryptocurrency Tracking

CryptoAppsy has positioned itself as a critical mobile solution for traders navigating the volatile cryptocurrency markets. The app delivers real-time price updates across thousands of digital assets—from Bitcoin ($95,640 mentioned in the copy) to emerging altcoins—with data refreshed every five seconds. Its multi-language support and absence of subscription requirements lower barriers to global adoption.

The platform distinguishes itself through portfolio management tools that aggregate holdings across currencies and a personalized news feed tied to user assets. Automated price alerts and a unified dashboard eliminate the need to monitor multiple exchanges manually. Verified user reviews highlight the app's 5.0/5 rating, underscoring its utility in capturing arbitrage opportunities and sudden market movements.

Metaplanet Defends Active Bitcoin Strategy Against ETF Comparisons

Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich has dismissed concerns that Bitcoin ETFs could undermine the company's investment model. The firm's strategy revolves around actively accumulating Bitcoin through reinvested profits and capital raises, distinguishing it from passive ETF products.

Metaplanet recently raised $1.4 billion through share sales to expand its Bitcoin holdings. This aggressive accumulation approach contrasts sharply with ETFs that simply track Bitcoin's price without increasing underlying exposure.

Japan's favorable crypto tax reforms have further strengthened Metaplanet's position. The company views these regulatory changes as tailwinds for its long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategy.