Steak ‘n Shake to Accept Bitcoin Payments Nationwide Starting May 16
Key Takeaways
- Steak ‘n Shake announces nationwide Bitcoin payment support, effective May 16, 2025.
- Customers will be able to pay directly with BTC via QR code using major wallets.
- The fast-casual chain partners with BitPay and Strike to facilitate instant BTC-to-USD settlements.
- Initial rollout includes in-store payments, with drive-thru and app integration to follow.
- This move marks one of the largest BTC payment expansions in the U.S. restaurant industry to date.
Steak ‘n Shake Embraces Bitcoin for In-Store Payments
In a bold move aligning with the growing mainstream adoption of digital assets, Steak ‘n Shake announced it will begin accepting Bitcoin (BTC) for payments at all U.S. locations starting Thursday, May 16.
The 90-year-old American burger and milkshake chain becomes one of the largest fast-casual restaurant brands in the country to implement BTC payments nationwide, joining the likes of Starbucks (via Bakkt) and Chipotle (pilot programs).
According to the company’s press release, Bitcoin payments will initially be supported in-store only, where customers can scan a dynamic QR code at the point-of-sale using supported wallets such as:
- Cash App
- Strike
- BitPay Wallet
- BlueWallet
- Coinbase Wallet
The BTC payment feature will convert funds instantly into U.S. dollars, eliminating the need for Steak ‘n Shake to hold volatile crypto assets on their balance sheet.
Behind the Partnership: BitPay + Strike Integration
The technical implementation is being handled through a joint partnership between BitPay and Strike, two of the leading crypto payments processors in the U.S.
- BitPay handles QR-based wallet connections and transaction authentication
- Strike enables Lightning Network compatibility, ensuring instant low-fee transactions
This dual integration means both on-chain and Lightning BTC payments will be accepted, enabling a wide range of user experiences — from power users with self-custody wallets to casual mobile wallet holders.
Notably, the payments system will not support altcoins such as ETH or DOGE at launch — Bitcoin will be the sole cryptocurrency accepted.
CEO Statement: A Move Toward Financial Innovation
Steak ‘n Shake CEO Rob Lynch commented on the decision:
“Our brand has always embraced innovation. Accepting Bitcoin aligns with our mission to provide seamless, flexible payment options for the modern customer. We believe digital payments, especially those built on open monetary networks like Bitcoin, are the future.”
He added that the company has seen rising demand from younger demographics for crypto payment options, particularly since 2023.
BTC Payments to Expand to Drive-Thru and Mobile App
The BTC rollout will be conducted in three phases:
- May 16: All in-store locations across the U.S. accept Bitcoin via QR.
- June–July: Drive-thru integration begins, starting with high-traffic metro areas.
- August 2025: Steak ‘n Shake mobile app will include Bitcoin as a payment option.
The company stated that BTC will appear alongside credit, debit, and Apple Pay options once integrated into the app. Loyalty program rewards and promotions will also apply to BTC purchases.
Industry Impact and Customer Reception
With over 450 locations in the U.S., Steak ‘n Shake’s BTC support is expected to bring significant visibility to Bitcoin’s real-world utility.
Crypto advocates praised the move on social media, with Lightning developer Jack Mallers calling it “a major domino in retail adoption.”
Some users expressed skepticism around tipping policies and whether Lightning transactions would be smooth in fast-paced environments like drive-thrus. Still, the general sentiment was positive, especially among younger crypto-native diners.
Final Thoughts
Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to adopt Bitcoin across the country positions it as a forward-thinking player in the evolving payment landscape. By leveraging the Lightning Network and strategic partnerships, the brand avoids price volatility while offering frictionless transactions for a digitally fluent customer base.
As more brands experiment with crypto payments in 2025, this rollout could set the tone for what scalable, mainstream Bitcoin adoption really looks like — practical, seamless, and integrated into everyday spending.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. The inclusion of brand names, services, or companies does not imply endorsement. Always verify details with official sources and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions or engaging in cryptocurrency transactions.
