Steak ‘N Shake has declared that all its outlets nationwide will start accepting Bitcoin payments starting from May 16 as part of shift towards cryptocurrency.
In a recent post, the American fast-food chain announced that it will provide its more than 100 million customers with the option to pay for “original steakburgers and homemade milkshakes” in BTC (BTC). Steak ‘n Shake had been hinting at opening BTC payments to the wider public since March this year.
“Steak n Shake accepting Bitcoin payments at all locations starting May 16, making the cryptocurrency available to our more than 100 million customers,” said Steak ‘N Shake on its official account.
The post seemed to hint that the restaurant franchise may be looking at accept other forms of cryptocurrency in the future, as it ended the announcement with a cryptic note: “The movement is just beginning….”
As of March 2025, the company has approximately 393 restaurants located throughout the U.S., according to data from ScrapeHero. Around 20% of its branches are situated in Florida, with 79 locations in total. Starting May 16, all Steak ‘N Shake outlets in America will be able to accept Bitcoin payments.
Just a day prior, Bitcoin broke through the $100k threshold, marking the first time it reached six figures since February 2025. At press time, the largest cryptocurrency by market cap has gone up by 4.16%. BTC is currently trading hands at $103,017.
Hinting at Bitcoin payment options
Steak ‘N Shake first brought up the possibility of facilitating BTC payments on March 8, when it asked its followers whether the restaurant should start accepting BTC. The question drew engagement from major industry figures including, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who replied with a simple “yes.”
Later on March 13, the account posted an intergalactic spaceship delivering beef tallow on Mars with a giant Bitcoin logo attached to its side.
Before Steak ‘N Shake, there have been a number of popular fast-food chain outlets that have leaned towards cryptocurrency payments in the U.S. One of them is the Mexican fast-food chain Chipotle which partnered with digital payment provider Flexa in 2022 to accept crypto payments.
Since then, nearly 3,000 Chipotle restaurants across the United States have accepted payments in 98 different crypto assets from customers.
The sandwich shop Subway actually trialed accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies early on in 2013, but only in certain franchises.
