The American fast-food giant Steak ’n Shake has announced it will begin accepting Bitcoin payment for food at all its locations starting May 16. This bold move could position the chain as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption within the fast-food industry, allowing millions of customers to pay for their meals using satoshis.
Steak’n Shake’s Bitcoin adoption could prove key for global adoption of crypto payments
Steak ’n Shake revealed its plans on X (formerly Twitter) on May 9, declaring that Bitcoin payment for food would soon be a reality for over 100 million customers. The company teased the initiative with a playful sign-off: “Steaktoshi,” signaling its embrace of Bitcoin culture.
This development follows months of crypto-themed marketing. In March, the chain sparked speculation by asking followers, “Should Steak ’n Shake accept Bitcoin?” The post caught the attention of crypto enthusiasts, including Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, who enthusiastically replied, “Yes.” Since then, the company has ramped up its Bitcoin-centric promotions, even collaborating with Tesla for giveaways.
Why Bitcoin payment for food matters
The adoption of Bitcoin payment for food by a major fast-food chain is a significant milestone for cryptocurrency. While some restaurants have dabbled in crypto payments through limited pilots, Steak ’n Shake’s full-scale rollout sets a new standard.
Experts believe this move could encourage other chains to follow suit, accelerating the integration of digital currencies into everyday transactions. “This is a big step toward normalizing crypto in the retail space,” says Mark Johnson, a fintech analyst. “When people can spend Bitcoin on something as routine as a burger, it reinforces its utility beyond speculation.”
Other fast-food chains embracing crypto
Steak ’n Shake isn’t the first to explore Bitcoin payment for food. Here’s how other major players are experimenting with crypto:
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Chipotle – Since 2022, the Mexican grill has accepted nearly 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, via the Flexa payment network.
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Subway – One of the earliest adopters, Subway trialed Bitcoin payments as far back as 2013 in select franchises.
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KFC – In 2018, the fried chicken giant launched a “Bitcoin Bucket” promotion in Canada, allowing purchases with BTC.
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McDonald’s – The burger giant accepts Bitcoin in Lugano, Switzerland, as part of a local crypto initiative.
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Burger King – The chain has tested crypto payments in Germany, the Netherlands, and Venezuela.
Even political figures have gotten in on the action—Donald Trump famously used Bitcoin to buy burgers at a New York City bar last September.
Bitcoin pizza day: the origin of crypto commerce
The concept of Bitcoin payment for food traces back to one of the most famous crypto transactions in history. On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, worth about 40 at the time. Today, those same Bitcoins would be valued at over 1 billion.
This transaction, now celebrated as Bitcoin Pizza Day, marked the first real-world use of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange. Over a decade later, Steak ’n Shake’s decision to accept Bitcoin brings the crypto full circle—from a novelty payment to a mainstream option.
What’s next for Bitcoin in fast food?
As Bitcoin payment for food gains traction, industry watchers predict more chains will integrate crypto options. Some potential developments include:
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Loyalty programs – Fast-food brands could reward customers with Bitcoin cashback or NFT-based discounts.
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Cross-chain payments – Restaurants may expand beyond Bitcoin, accepting stablecoins or Lightning Network transactions for faster settlements.
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Global expansion – With Bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador, Pizza Hut already accepts it there—more countries could follow.
Will Bitcoin payment for food become the norm? Only time will tell, but for now, crypto enthusiasts can celebrate another win for the adoption, one burger at a time. The Bit Gazette will continue to monitor and report developments.
