Steak ’n Shake Goes Full Crypto: Bitcoin Adoption Goes Global With El Salvador Expansion

Fast-food chain bets big on Bitcoin—because nothing says 'financial revolution' like pairing blockchain with milkshakes.

El Salvador's crypto experiment gets a greasy spoon twist as Steak ’n Shake dives headfirst into Bitcoin payments. The move signals growing mainstream acceptance—or maybe just a desperate hedge against inflation.

Wall Street analysts shrug while crypto bros cheer. Meanwhile, the IMF quietly updates its 'Countries Making Questionable Monetary Decisions' watchlist.

Bitcoin Friendly Expansion

Based on reports, the chain first hinted at a crypto push with an X post on May 9, 2025, saying a crypto option was coming soon. The payment option went live at all its US locations on May 16, 2025, and the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Dan Edwards, told reporters they aim to offer BTC at all locations worldwide.

The messaging has been clear: Steak ‘n Shake wants to be known as a merchant that welcomes BTC payments.

El Salvador is a great country

We were honored to be in Bitcoin Country serving Beef Tallow Fries and handing out Grass-Fed and Wagyu Beef Tallow Cooking Oil.

The beginning of a beautiful friendship https://t.co/VIyzL9OT3M

— Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) November 15, 2025

Sales Spike And Analysts’ Take

Reports have disclosed that same-store sales ROSE 11% in the company’s second quarter after the rollout. Later, the chain reported a 15% increase in same-store sales for the third quarter.

Analysts who looked at the numbers said the crypto acceptance likely helped drive the uptick, though direct cause and effect are hard to prove. The company’s third-quarter growth was compared to big names in fast food; Steak ‘n Shake outpaced McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Starbucks for that period, according to the report.

Steak ‘n Shake stirred a strong reaction when it asked followers whether it should add Ether as a payment option. About 48,800 people weighed in, and roughly 53% voted yes. The poll drew sharp comments from some Bitcoin supporters.

One critic, identified as RON Sovereignty Swanson, wrote, “ETH is just centralized trash. Bitcoin represents freedom. If you do this, you’ll lose all your Bitcoiner customers, including me.”

Later on October 11, the company canceled the poll and posted: “Poll canceled. We stand with Bitcoiners. You have made your choice known. Who even suggested this? I’m back at my desk.”

Based on reports, the reversal shows how vocal customer groups can shape business choices. Steak ‘n Shake’s quick retreat from the Ether idea suggested that it values the support of Bitcoin-focused patrons.

That support appears to have helped the brand within crypto circles, and the chain’s public stance has made it a talking point among Bitcoin fans online.

Featured image from Meta, chart from TradingView