How Bitcoin Turned Steak ‘n Shake’s Sales Around in Just 2 Months

Andrew Chen
Bitcoin (BTC)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
  • Steak ‘n Shake’s Q2 sales jumped 10.7%, leading US fast-food chains.
  • Bitcoin payments cut processing fees by 50% for the chain.
  • Adoption expanded to over 100 million potential customers worldwide.

US fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake has credited Bitcoin adoption for a standout 10.7% same-store Sales increase in Q2 — the highest among America’s top fast-food brands. The chain began accepting Bitcoin payments on May 16, a move it says immediately boosted revenue and customer engagement.

Outperforming Industry Giants

Data shared by Restaurant Business Magazine’s editor-in-chief Jonathan Maze showed that while rivals like McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Taco Bell saw same-store sales changes ranging from -7.1% to 6.1%, Steak ‘n Shake surged ahead with double-digit growth. The company acknowledged Bitcoiners on X, calling cryptocurrency a “game changer” for both sales and brand visibility.

Bitcoin Payments Slash Costs, Expand Reach

Steak ‘n Shake’s chief operating officer Dan Edwards revealed at the Bitcoin 2025 conference that the company cut processing fees by 50% thanks to Bitcoin transactions. “It’s a win for the customer, it’s a win for us as the merchant, and it’s a win for you in the Bitcoin community,” Edwards said.

The chain has rolled out Bitcoin payments in all legally permitted locations — including the US, France, Monaco, and Spain — potentially reaching over 100 million customers worldwide. On its opening day for Bitcoin payments, Steak ‘n Shake accounted for 0.2% of all Bitcoin transactions globally.

Also Read: Michael Saylor’s Strategy Adds $18M in Bitcoin, Marking 5 Years of Relentless Buying

Turning Around After Store Closures

The Bitcoin push comes after challenging years for the brand. Steak ‘n Shake’s US store count dropped from 628 in 2018 to 397 as of May 28, 2025, according to ScrapeHero. Florida remains its largest market, hosting 79 stores — about 20% of the chain’s US presence.

Steak ‘n Shake’s bold embrace of Bitcoin payments appears to be paying off, delivering industry-leading sales growth and lowering operational costs. While many US businesses still treat Bitcoin primarily as an investment vehicle, the burger chain’s results suggest crypto can have a tangible, positive impact on everyday commerce.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.

Related Posts