American fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake has officially stepped deeper into the crypto arena with the launch of its limited-edition Bitcoin Steakburger, marking five months since the brand began accepting Bitcoin (BTC) payments across all its outlets. Known for its classic steakburgers and milkshakes, the company is now drawing attention from a new demographic, crypto enthusiasts.

The Bitcoin Steakburger features two steakburger patties, two slices of American cheese, signature toppings and a standout detail: a bun stamped with the Bitcoin logo. Customers can order it on its own or as part of the Bitcoin Meal, which includes fries and a drink. Priced at $7.19, the burger comes in packaging accented with bright orange Bitcoin-style branding, further cementing Steak ‘n Shake’s allegiance to the BTC community.

Five Months of Bitcoin Payments and a Sales Surge

Steak ‘n Shake first hinted at accepting Bitcoin payments earlier this year, officially enabling BTC transactions on 16 May. Within months, the company reported a significant performance boost. Same-store sales jumped by double digits in both Q2 and Q3, with a notable 15% rise in Q3 2025, outpacing previous years.

For comparison:

• 2022: 14% growth
  
• 2023: 6% growth
  
• 2024: 2% growth
  
• 2025: 15% growth after adopting Bitcoin payments
  

Executives credited the Bitcoin community’s enthusiasm as a major catalyst for this performance. In an X post, the brand stated, “Supplies are limited… just like Bitcoin,” embracing the scarcity narrative that defines BTC culture.

ETH Rejected After Community Backlash

In a move that stirred debate, Steak ‘n Shake recently asked its 468,000 followers on X whether it should extend support to Ethereum (ETH). While the final poll results showed a majority in favour of ETH payments, the company abruptly reversed course. The decision came after vocal Bitcoin maximalists argued that the brand should remain Bitcoin-only to stay aligned with the movement’s core values.

Despite the poll ending with “Yes” overtaking “No,” Steak ‘n Shake stood firm, publicly declaring its loyalty to Bitcoin users and shelving any immediate plans to accept alternative cryptocurrencies.

Fast Food Meets Crypto: A Growing Trend

Steak ‘n Shake is not alone in exploring digital currency adoption. Major food brands across the globe are experimenting with similar integrations:

• FAT Brands (owner of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and more) began accepting BTC for international franchise royalty payments, cutting down on cross-border transaction fees.
  
• Subway introduced Bitcoin payments in select European locations via the GoCrypto platform, offering loyalty perks for crypto users.
  
• In South Africa, chains like Pizza Hut and KFC adopted Bitcoin payment options to cater to increasing demand for digital settlement methods in emerging markets.
  

This shift signals a broader trend: fast-food chains are recognising Bitcoin not just as a payment method, but as a cultural movement capable of driving traffic, boosting engagement and building a fiercely loyal customer base.

A Marketing Masterstroke or the Future of Payments?

With the Bitcoin Steakburger, Steak ‘n Shake has positioned itself not just as a fast-food chain, but as a brand willing to ride the wave of digital innovation. Its strategic blending of meme culture, scarcity marketing and crypto identity shows a keen understanding of the Bitcoin community’s values.

As the company celebrates its Bitcoin journey with a burger that doubles as a statement piece, one thing is clear: crypto adoption in mainstream dining is no longer a novelty, it’s becoming a competitive advantage.

Whether other chains follow the Bitcoin-only approach or choose a multi-crypto model remains to be seen. For now, Steak ‘n Shake has made its stance clear: the future, at least for them, is orange.