The worlds of crypto and comfort food are colliding in a big way—and it’s happening sooner than you think.
Starting May 16, fans of Steak ‘n Shake will be able to pay for their burgers, fries, and famous milkshakes with Bitcoin at every single location across the United States.
Yep, no limited rollout, no test markets—just full-blown crypto integration at the register.
Steak ‘n Shake Goes All-In on Crypto Payments
The announcement came via a tweet on May 9 from Steak ‘n Shake’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
In the post, the chain declared, “The movement is just beginning,” and cheekily signed off as “Steaktoshi”—a clear nod to Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin.
This wasn’t exactly a surprise for crypto fans who have been watching closely.
Back in March, Steak ‘n Shake had teased the idea of accepting Bitcoin, even putting the question directly to its followers.
That simple poll sparked a flood of excitement, and speculation quickly started building.
Jack Dorsey Gives a Crypto-Boosted Thumbs Up
One big name who jumped into the conversation? Former Twitter CEO and well-known Bitcoin advocate Jack Dorsey.
When Steak ‘n Shake posed the question to the public, Dorsey replied with a simple but powerful “yes.”
That single-word endorsement gave the idea serious momentum, especially among tech and crypto circles.
Since then, the brand has leaned heavily into the Bitcoin buzz, dropping Easter eggs across its platforms—from mysterious, code-like messages to Tesla-themed giveaways—all designed to stoke curiosity and keep people talking.
Over 100 Million Customers Could Join the Crypto Table
Steak ‘n Shake isn’t just dipping its toes in. It’s diving into the deep end of digital currency.
The company says more than 100 million customers across the U.S. will be able to pay with Bitcoin starting mid-May.
That’s a massive rollout compared to other chains, most of which have only flirted with crypto through limited pilots or regional experiments.
This move makes Steak ‘n Shake one of the first major American restaurant chains to fully adopt Bitcoin as a standard payment method nationwide, not just as a flashy promotion.
Fast Food and Bitcoin: A Surprisingly Long-Standing Connection
This might feel like a bold new frontier, but crypto and fast food have a shared history.
The legendary “Bitcoin Pizza Day” dates all the way back to 2010, when a Florida man named Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas.
Those coins would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars today, and the moment is now immortalized in crypto lore.
Now, Steak ‘n Shake is carrying that legacy forward with a modern twist—allowing customers to grab a bite using the very same kind of digital money that once bought those infamous pizzas.
Other Chains Have Dabbled, But Steak ‘n Shake Commits
While this is big news, it’s not the first time a fast-food chain has tested the crypto waters.
Chipotle began accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2022 using Flexa, a platform that supports over 100 coins.
Subway has been dabbling in Bitcoin since 2013, and McDonald’s accepts it in certain cities like Lugano, Switzerland.
Even Burger King and Pizza Hut have run limited promotions in crypto-friendly regions like El Salvador.
Still, Steak ‘n Shake’s move stands out because of its scale and immediacy.
This isn’t a one-off promo or a regional trial—it’s a company-wide commitment.
Technology Is Catching Up to Make Crypto Easier Than Ever
What’s making all of this possible? Rapid progress in crypto payment technology.
Just last month, fintech company Mesh launched a new feature that allows users to pay with crypto using Apple Pay.
It’s developments like this that are helping to bridge the gap between digital money and real-world purchases—making it more convenient for both businesses and consumers.
Looking Ahead: Is This the Start of a New Fast-Food Revolution?
With Bitcoin currently trading at over $103,000, there’s a growing sense that digital currency is no longer just a niche interest.
It’s becoming a viable, even practical option for everyday transactions. Steak ‘n Shake’s decision could be a turning point, encouraging more chains to jump on the bandwagon.
So next time you’re craving a milkshake, you might want to bring your crypto wallet instead of your credit card. It’s a sign of the times—and possibly the shape of fast food to come.