US fast-food chain deepens its pro-Bitcoin strategy after reporting double-digit sales growth from BTC adoption
Steak ‘n Shake, the American fast-food chain known for embracing Bitcoin payments earlier this year, has announced plans to expand its operations to El Salvador. The company confirmed the move following its participation in the country’s Bitcoin Histórico event, calling the visit an honor and a milestone in its increasingly crypto-aligned strategy.
The restaurant began accepting Bitcoin in May, rolling out BTC payments across multiple stores. According to chief operations officer Dan Edwards, the company’s objective is to ensure Bitcoin acceptance at every Steak ‘n Shake location worldwide.
The chain says its shift toward BTC has already delivered measurable business impact, including an 11% rise in same-store sales in Q2.
Steak ‘n Shake’s embrace of Bitcoin has helped cement its status among crypto-native consumers and small merchants exploring digital payments for everyday transactions.
Industry analysts often view small-ticket BTC purchases as a key indicator of maturing, grassroots adoption.
The company’s visibility grew even further after it became a frequent topic of discussion within Bitcoin circles, especially as merchant adoption accelerates across the US and Latin America.
However, not all of the company’s crypto-related moves have been smooth. In October, Steak ‘n Shake asked followers in a public poll whether it should begin accepting Ether. Although the poll showed majority support, the proposal immediately triggered backlash from Bitcoin advocates.
“ETH is centralized garbage. Bitcoin is freedom,” one prominent Bitcoiner wrote in response, warning that adding Ether could alienate its core customer base.
Despite initially pledging to honor the poll results, the company reversed course on the same day it was posted.
“Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners… Who even allowed this?” the company said in an update, reaffirming its BTC-only stance.
The chain later celebrated a 15% quarter-over-quarter jump in Q3 same-store sales, leading major competitors such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell. Steak ‘n Shake says its focus on Bitcoin-friendly innovation will continue as it expands into El Salvador, a country where BTC holds legal-tender status and merchant adoption is steadily rising.
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