Steak ‘n Shake Reports Major Savings with Bitcoin Payments
During the Bitcoin 2026 Conference in Las Vegas, Steak ‘n Shake’s Chief MAHA Officer Michael Boes revealed that the fast-food chain has integrated Bitcoin payments into its operations, yielding impressive results. Boes noted this shift has attracted 2 million new customers and significantly reduced costs, allowing for a complete menu revamp funded by Bitcoin savings.
The restaurant chain initiated its Bitcoin payment feature on May 16, 2025, utilizing the Lightning Network. The impact was immediate: same-store sales surged by 11% quarter over quarter in the second quarter of 2025 and escalated to a remarkable 15% in the third quarter, outperforming industry giants such as McDonald’s and Domino’s.
Boes proudly stated that this marks the fastest same-store sales growth among all restaurants in the marketplace.
BREAKING: Steak ‘n Shake announces “when we use bitcoin, we save 50% on processing fees compared to traditional credit card users.”
“If every credit card user switched to bitcoin, we’d potentially save around $6 million every year—which is significant.” pic.twitter.com/NxuFOa3xmW
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) April 29, 2026
Boes emphasized the financial advantages of Bitcoin. Opting for Bitcoin payment over credit cards leads to a roughly 50% decrease in processing fees. Typically, credit card processors charge merchants transaction fees ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%.
“We are advancing with bitcoin – it signifies the future of currency,” Boes stated.
Investing in Healthier Options Through Bitcoin Savings
The executive explained that should all credit card users convert to Bitcoin payments, Steak ‘n Shake would save about $6 million yearly, enabling investments directly aimed at enhancing food quality.
“Bitcoin represents legitimate money generated through real energy,” Boes expressed. “It is a sound currency that empowers us to produce healthier offerings.”
Improvements are already being implemented. The chain has eliminated microwaves from its kitchens and plans to shift entirely to grass-fed and grass-finished beef starting June 1. Additionally, Steak ‘n Shake transitioned from seed oils to beef tallow for frying French fries as part of their commitment to the Make America Healthy Again initiative.
At the conference, Boes introduced two new Bitcoin-inspired items: a Bitcoin Milkshake and a Bitcoin Steakburger, cleverly linked to Bitcoin’s limited supply of 21 million coins.
The company also established a closed-loop economy regarding its bitcoin payment system. All bitcoins received from customers contribute to a strategic reserve now totaling $10 million.
This reserve fuels a Bitcoin bonus program for hourly workers—paying them $0.21 for each hour worked—which launched on March 1. Boes confirmed that he also receives some of his compensation in Bitcoin.
“I am among the first in our industry to include bitcoin as part of my executive pay structure,” Boes remarked. “I hope this sets a trend for new compensation models throughout our sector.”
Operating numerous locations across the United States as well as international markets including France, Italy, Portugal, and Monaco, Steak ‘n Shake is notably positioning itself at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption in fast food.