Steak ‘n Shake Reports Double-Digit Sales Growth After Adopting Bitcoin

Bitcoin Magazine

Steak ‘n Shake Says Sales Grew Double Digits Since Bitcoin Adoption

Burger restaurant franchise Steak ‘n Shake has attributed its business growth to the acceptance of bitcoin payments. 

In a Tuesday post on its X account, the Indianapolis, Indiana-based corporation announced that it has experienced double-digit same-store sales growth since it began accepting the leading cryptocurrency. 

The company further stated: “And this quarter has been extraordinary, with franchise-partners same-store sales gaining 19%.”

The restaurant chain originally integrated Bitcoin payments last year via the Lightning Network. 

Alongside payment integration, the firm decided to include the cryptocurrency on its balance sheet, later announcing in January that a $10 million allocation of Bitcoin had been added to its strategic reserve.

During the Bitcoin 2026 Conference in April, Steak ‘n Shake Chief MAHA Officer Michael Boes shared with the audience that Bitcoin has turned into a fundamental driver for the chain’s commercial success. 

The chain reported that same-store sales climbed 11% quarter over quarter in Q2 2025, rose to 15% in Q3 2025, and ultimately surpassed major competitors such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Domino’s. 

Boes described the results as the highest same-store sales growth across the restaurant industry, noting that this success stems from bitcoin on the Lightning Network being faster and less expensive than legacy electronic payment options. 

The financial mechanism functions directly: choosing bitcoin over a credit card allows Steak ‘n Shake to cut processing fees by roughly 50%, contrasting with standard credit card processors that typically bill merchants 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction. 

“Bitcoin is real money made with real energy,” Boes remarked during the event. 

Additionally, the business explored accepting alternative cryptocurrencies last year, but ultimately abandoned the concept after a poll conducted on X showed that consumers felt only bitcoin was necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Steak ‘n Shake start accepting Bitcoin?
Steak ‘n Shake began accepting Bitcoin payments in May 2025 using the Lightning Network.

How much Bitcoin does Steak ‘n Shake hold?
The company announced in January that it added $10 million in Bitcoin to its strategic reserve.

How much do transaction fees drop when customers use Bitcoin?
Steak ‘n Shake saves approximately 50% on processing fees compared to traditional credit card processors, which charge merchants 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction.

What was the sales growth reported by the company?
The restaurant achieved double-digit same-store sales growth, with franchise-partners same-store sales gaining 19% in the reported quarter.