Fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake said its adoption of Bitcoin payments nine months ago has led to a significant increase in same-store sales and lower transaction costs. The company routes all crypto payments into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which it uses in part to fund employee bonuses, creating a closed-loop treasury model tied to customer spending.
The firm began accepting Bitcoin through the Lightning Network in May 2025, initially reporting a 10% uplift in comparable sales and roughly a 50% reduction in payment processing fees. It has also added $10 million worth of Bitcoin to its corporate treasury and introduced Bitcoin-themed menu items, signaling a broader integration of digital assets into its brand and financial operations.
The development reflects a wider trend of corporates experimenting with crypto payments as both a cost-efficiency tool and treasury diversification strategy. As traditional payment fees remain elevated, selective retail adoption of digital assets is increasingly being evaluated alongside loyalty incentives and alternative reserve management frameworks.
