Steak ‘n Shake Is Now Accepting Bitcoin Nationwide — Here’s What That Means for You
By Caleb Monroe | Fintech and Consumer Trends Contributor
- Steak ‘n Shake goes all-in on Bitcoin: Starting May 16, 2025, every U.S. location will accept BTC.
- Not just a trial: This is the first full-scale crypto rollout in fast food history — and it’s handled entirely in-house.
- Inspired by the people: The decision followed a viral poll and major support from crypto influencers like Jack Dorsey.
- How payments will work: Simple QR code transactions using apps like Coinbase, CashApp, and Strike.
- Why this matters: This could reshape retail payment trends — and push more big chains to follow.
Paying for your favorite burger with Bitcoin may have once sounded futuristic — but it’s about to become a reality. Starting May 16, 2025, Steak ‘n Shake will begin accepting Bitcoin payments at all of its U.S. locations. This makes it the first major fast-food chain in America to roll out crypto payments at a national scale — no third-party workaround, no limited trial — just real, in-store Bitcoin spending.
Whether you’re a crypto believer or just someone who loves a good steakburger, this announcement blends financial innovation with daily convenience in a way we haven’t seen before.
A Community-Led Decision — With Big Names Behind It
This bold leap wasn’t just born in a boardroom — it started with a single question on social media.
Back in March, Steak ‘n Shake posted a poll on X (formerly Twitter) asking, “Should we accept Bitcoin?”
Here’s what followed:
- Over 250,000 people voted
- Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and long-time crypto advocate, chimed in with a solid “yes”
- Crypto communities on Reddit and Twitter amplified the message, helping it go viral
That kind of organic buzz didn’t go unnoticed. The company responded by embracing the crypto wave head-on — and building a real plan behind it.
Crypto Culture Hits the Drive-Thru
Since the poll, Steak ‘n Shake has leaned into the excitement in full force. If you’ve been following them on social media, you’ve likely seen
- Bitcoin-themed ads tying into pop culture and crypto memes
- Promotions involving Tesla giveaways and BTC cash-back offers
- A revamped message calling this move “a new era for fast food finance.”
It’s not just a payment method—it’s becoming part of the brand’s identity.
How Bitcoin Payments Will Work in Stores
While the full backend setup hasn’t been released publicly, here’s what you can expect at the counter (or drive-thru):
💡 Step-by-step process:
- Order your food like you normally would.
- At checkout, select “Pay with Bitcoin.”
- A QR code will pop up on the register or kiosk screen.
- Scan it with your preferred wallet — options like Coinbase, Cash App, and Strike are all supported.
- Payment is processed instantly and converted to U.S. dollars in real time.
That last part is key. Steak ‘n Shake avoids holding volatile crypto by immediately converting BTC to USD, so they’re protected from wild price swings — and you still get the crypto experience.
Why This Move Actually Matters
This isn’t the first time a brand has tested Bitcoin payments, but it is the first time a national chain has gone all-in, across every location, with native support.
Here’s why that’s a big deal:
- 🏗️ It sets a new standard for the fast-food and retail industry.
- 📲 It normalizes crypto payments in places people visit every day — not just tech or luxury spaces.
- ⚙️ It pushes the conversation forward about digital currency being used as actual money, not just an investment.
While McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Burger King have run crypto pilots or partnered with third-party processors in the past, they’ve never gone this deep or this wide.
The Bigger Picture: Bitcoin Adoption Is Accelerating
Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin adoption isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger wave of real-world Bitcoin integration happening across the U.S.:
- New Hampshire has passed legislation to explore a state-run Bitcoin reserve
- NVIDIA and other major tech firms are investing in blockchain development
- Crypto figurehead David Sacks (former Trump-era crypto czar) recently teased a “game-changing” BTC announcement
This growing momentum suggests Steak ‘n Shake may just be the first domino to fall in fast-food crypto adoption.
Who Could Be Next?
Industry insiders are already speculating: will Wendy’s, Taco Bell, or Chick-fil-A be the next to jump in?
Consumer trends are shifting. A 2024 Pew Research report found that over 1 in 6 Americans have owned or used cryptocurrency, and nearly half of Gen Z consumers say they’d consider using crypto at the register — if they had the option.
Steak ‘n Shake just gave them that option.
About Steak ‘n Shake
- Founded: 1934
- Known for: Premium steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes
- Locations: 393 U.S. restaurants
- Vibe: Affordable diner classics, late-night hours, and retro charm
In many ways, this is a brand that celebrates nostalgia — but now, it’s setting trends in the future of payment.
Real-Life Scenario: Paying with Bitcoin at the Drive-Thru
Let’s say it’s 10:30 PM. You’re craving a shake and fries. You drive up, place your order, and pull out your phone instead of your card. Using CashApp or Coinbase, you scan the QR code, the payment goes through, and you’re back on the road in under a minute.
No credit card swipe. No cash exchange. Just one quick crypto scan. Simple, secure, and oddly satisfying.
Final Thoughts: A Tasty Sign of What’s to Come
Steak ‘n Shake’s move to embrace Bitcoin isn’t just a win for crypto enthusiasts — it’s a turning point for how we think about money in everyday life. This rollout gives BTC a practical place in mainstream commerce, not just as a “store of value,” but as a real currency you can actually use.
As more consumers become crypto-curious and digital wallets continue to evolve, this may just be the beginning of a bigger shift across the food industry—and beyond.
✅ FAQs
Will Steak ‘n Shake still accept cash or cards?
Yes — Bitcoin is an additional option, not a replacement. All regular payment methods are still available.
Can I see prices in Bitcoin?
Not yet. Prices are displayed in U.S. dollars. Your wallet will handle the currency conversion in real-time.
Is this only available in select cities?
Nope — this applies to all 393 locations across the country.
Do I need a specific wallet?
Most popular wallets that support QR payments (like Coinbase, Strike, and CashApp) will work.
🧑💻 About the Author
Caleb Monroe is a U.S.-based fintech writer and tech culture researcher who specializes in consumer innovation and blockchain trends. With over a decade of experience translating complex tech into everyday language, his work has been featured in Wired, Decrypt, and USA Today.
