Steak ‘n Shake, the well-known U.S.-based burger restaurant chain, has enhanced its investment in Bitcoin by adding $10 million to its cryptocurrency reserve. This strategic move came subsequent to the company's global rollout of Bitcoin payment acceptance, which began in 2025. The decision marks a continuing commitment to digital assets as part of its financial and operational strategy.
The company publicly disclosed the sizable purchase via the social media platform X on a Saturday, emphasizing the augmented sales performance that has accompanied its Bitcoin integration. In its announcement, Steak ‘n Shake reflected on the eight-month anniversary of initiating Bitcoin payments, noting a dramatic uplift in same-store sales over this period.
Specifically, the company stated that all revenues generated through Bitcoin sales are consolidated into a designated Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The recent $10 million investment represents a notable increase in their cryptocurrency exposure, measured in notional value. This development follows the initial introduction of Bitcoin transaction capability utilizing the Lightning Network in May 2025, a technology approach that facilitates faster and more cost-efficient payments.
Jack Dorsey, co-founder of the blockchain technology company Block, publicly supported Steak ‘n Shake’s payment innovation. Remarkably, the restaurant chain reported nearly a 50% reduction in transaction fees within the initial two weeks of adopting Bitcoin payments compared to traditional credit card transaction costs.
By the end of October 2025, Steak ‘n Shake distinguished itself as the first significant U.S. restaurant chain to formalize a dedicated Bitcoin reserve. Within this timeframe, the chain experienced a 15% uplift in same-store sales, a feat the company attributes in part to customer engagement motivated by its crypto-friendly policies.
Steak ‘n Shake operates several hundred locations across the United States and extends its presence to international markets including France, Italy, Portugal, and Monaco. The adoption of Bitcoin transactions and a strategic cryptocurrency reserve indicates a deliberate move into digital finance, aligning its operational footprint with emerging payment technologies.
The chain's embrace of Bitcoin reflects an industry trend toward integrating cryptocurrency to realize potential advantages such as decreased transaction expenditures and enhanced customer acquisition and retention through innovative payment options. Complementing this strategy, Steak ‘n Shake unveiled a Bitcoin rewards program designed to increase customer incentives and reinforce its commitment to digital currency utilization.
As an early mover among major U.S. restaurant operators in establishing a substantial Bitcoin reserve, Steak ‘n Shake sets a potential example for competitors considering entry into cryptocurrency adoption. Although the chain's Bitcoin strategy appears linked to improved sales and operational savings, the future impact on broader financial performance remains to be observed.