Fast-food chain reaffirms loyalty to Bitcoin after Ethereum payment idea backfires
American restaurant chain Steak ‘n Shake has swiftly backtracked on its plan to consider accepting Ether (ETH) after an online poll triggered a strong backlash from Bitcoin (BTC) supporters.
On Saturday, the company posted a poll on X (formerly Twitter) to its 468,800 followers, asking whether it should begin accepting Ether as a form of payment — promising to “abide by the results.”
However, just four hours later, the fast-food chain abruptly suspended the poll after vocal criticism from Bitcoin enthusiasts.
“Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken,” the brand declared in a follow-up post, signaling a clear retreat from its brief flirtation with Ethereum.
Bitcoin-only stance wins the day
The poll initially drew nearly 49,000 votes, with 53% favoring the idea of Ether payments. Yet, the backlash from Bitcoin purists was swift. Many accused the company of betraying Bitcoin’s principles by entertaining support for another cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin developer Carman said the decision to even create the poll “harmed Steak ‘n Shake’s reputation,” while Bitcoin wallet builder Adam Simecka threatened to boycott the chain:
“If you accept ETH, I will never eat at your restaurant again.”
Steak ‘n Shake began accepting Bitcoin payments on May 16, across locations in the U.S., France, Monaco, and Spain, where regulations permit. The company credited Bitcoiners’ support for helping drive a 15% year-on-year sales increase in Q3 2025.
Vitalik Buterin weighs in
Interestingly, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin defended Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to side with Bitcoiners, saying crypto-friendly businesses should embrace their chosen communities rather than trying to please everyone.
“We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and see their work as a labor of love,” Buterin wrote.
Next week, Steak ‘n Shake plans to launch a “Bitcoin Steakburger” on October 16 to celebrate its ongoing support for BTC adoption — a move likely to further cement its status as a Bitcoin-only brand.
Disclaimer
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