Steak 'n Shake has significantly deepened its commitment to Bitcoin, announcing two major initiatives that integrate the cryptocurrency into both its corporate treasury and employee compensation structure. The fast-food chain confirmed it has added $10 million worth of Bitcoin to its corporate holdings, exactly eight months after beginning to accept BTC payments across all its locations.
The company's strategy centers around its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), where all Bitcoin revenue from customer payments flows directly without conversion to fiat currency. Management reports this approach has created a "self-feeding circle" where increased Bitcoin payment adoption drives higher sales, which in turn grows the BTC reserves. The company claims same-store sales have "risen dramatically" since introducing Bitcoin payments, helping stabilize revenue during a challenging period for restaurant chains.
Simultaneously, Steak 'n Shake revealed plans to offer Bitcoin bonuses to hourly employees at company-operated locations starting March 1, 2026. The program will provide $0.21 in Bitcoin per worked hour, with a two-year vesting period. For a full-time employee working 40 hours weekly, this translates to approximately $8.40 in Bitcoin weekly or $437 annually based on a 52-week schedule. The Fold, a Bitcoin rewards and payments company, supports this initiative.
The company processes Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network, Bitcoin's second-layer solution that enables fast, low-cost transactions. This approach significantly reduces payment processing costs compared to traditional credit card networks that typically charge 2-3% per transaction. The savings contribute to improved margins and support the company's Bitcoin accumulation strategy.
Steak 'n Shake's moves reflect broader trends in corporate Bitcoin adoption. According to BitcoinTreasuries.NET data, 194 public companies now hold approximately 1.13 million Bitcoin on their balance sheets. The company follows other payment providers like Block Inc. (Square) and PayPal, which began rolling out Bitcoin payment options in 2025.
