Top American Fast-Food Chain Opens Bitcoin Payments to Over 100 Million Customers
May 9, 2025
American restaurant chain Steak ‘n Shake has disclosed plans to begin accepting Bitcoin payments across all of its U.S. locations. The company announced the move in a tweet on Thursday. It positions itself as one of the first major fast food brands to integrate the world’s largest crypto into its retail payment system. The rollout comes after months of social media speculation and engagement, including from notable tech figures.
High-Volume Business Model Faces Crypto Integration
Steak ‘n Shake’s integration of Bitcoin will test the cryptocurrency’s functionality in such a high-volume setting. While digital asset payments have gained traction in the tech and e-commerce sectors, physical fast food locations present a different challenge due to high foot traffic and frequent small-ticket transactions.
The company hinted at this transition in March when it posted a question on social media platforms asking if it should accept Bitcoin. The post drew attention from multiple sectors, including engagement from former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
yes — jack (@jack) March 7, 2025
After sparking online discussions in March with a public poll about Bitcoin acceptance, the company steadily built anticipation through targeted crypto-themed campaigns. The company also reinforced interest by incorporating Tesla-related promotions and cues tied to cryptocurrency. This sustained engagement eventually culminated in Thursday’s official confirmation of its Bitcoin payment rollout.
Growing List of Crypto-Accepting Chains
With over 100 million customers, Steak ‘n Shake’s integration could become one of the largest-scale implementations of crypto payments in U.S. fast food to date.
Steak ‘n Shake is not the first fast food chain to explore crypto payments. Since 2022, Chipotle has offered support for nearly 100 cryptocurrencies through payment processor Flexa, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. This system facilitates in-store payments through digital wallets and QR code scanning, expanding customer flexibility.
Other national chains have also tested crypto integration. Starbucks, for instance, allowed users to reload their digital wallets using Bitcoin through the Bakkt app, a service that converts crypto into fiat before reaching the retailer. Subway stands among the earliest adopters, having trialed Bitcoin payments at selected franchise locations as far back as 2013. Notably, numerous humanitarian services have also incorporated crypto payments. For instance, in June 2024, The Crypto Basic reported that the British Red Cross began accepting Bitcoin donations.
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