It was nearly seven months ago that the popular American fast food chain Steak 'n Shake decided to embrace financial independence and opt for Bitcoin (BTC). Founded in 1934, Steak 'n Shake is one of the oldest fast food chains that is popular for its steakburgers and milkshakes. The chain has hundreds of stores in the U.S., France, Italy, Portugal, and Monaco.
In May, the 91-year-old burger chain began accepting BTC payments globally via the Lightning Network—a move supported by the likes of Twitter and Block co-founder Jack Dorsey.
You spent $100 in #bitcoin… on potatoes?? @jack, Satoshi's watching you. pic.twitter.com/RLmWBYAeJT
— Roundtable Network (@RTB_io) June 5, 2025
The chain claimed the pivot helped it save approximately 50% in processing fees within a fortnight due to customers making payments in BTC instead of credit cards.
On Oct. 31, it became the first major U.S. restaurant chain to launch a Bitcoin reserve. Last month, it shared that its same-store sales have hiked by more than 15% and are fuelling the reserve.
It also plans to expand into El Salvador, the Central American country that has been accumulating Bitcoin for years now under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele.
Steak 'n Shake Eyes More Bitcoin Partnerships
The 91-year-old burger chain reiterated on Dec. 9 that Steak 'n Shake is a Bitcoin company and said more Bitcoin partnerships will be announced.
From Burgers to Bitcoin, a self-sustaining loop
— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) December 9, 2025
Bitcoin payments accepted ✅
Bitcoin Burger launched ✅
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve ✅
All bitcoin payments going into our SBR. 🔄
More Bitcoin partnerships to be announced. SnS is a Bitcoin company. 🚀
The latest move comes amidst BTC staging a 4% recovery in a day to climb north of $94,000 on Dec. 9 after weeks of slump. At press time, BTC was exchanging hands at $93,995.
Ethereum (ETH) rose 8% to $3,368.57 and XRP 3% to $2.13.
The total crypto market cap rose more than 4% in the last 24 hours to $3.21 trillion at the time of writing.