TLDR
- Steak ‘n Shake has reported a significant rise in sales after adopting Bitcoin payments nine months ago.
- The company now routes Bitcoin payments into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which is used to fund employee bonuses.
- Steak ‘n Shake has increased its Bitcoin exposure by $10 million through its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
- Employees of Steak ‘n Shake are receiving Bitcoin bonuses, with $0.27 per hour worked, subject to a two-year vesting period.
- The company’s Bitcoin strategy is seen as a long-term commitment, not just a marketing tactic, according to industry experts.
Steak ‘n Shake has announced a substantial rise in its same-store sales since it started accepting Bitcoin. The company revealed that integrating Bitcoin payments has led to higher customer engagement and has contributed to its overall revenue growth. The firm also introduced a new initiative, directing Bitcoin payments into its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to fund employee bonuses.
Bitcoin Boosts Steak ’n Shake’s Sales Performance
Steak ‘n Shake has seen a sharp increase in sales over the past nine months, crediting its Bitcoin adoption for the change. The company said that Bitcoin payments are routed into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, further strengthening its operational model. This move follows the company’s earlier decision to accept Bitcoin payments, which began last May.
The company has not disclosed the exact impact of Bitcoin on its bottom line but emphasized its importance in enhancing business performance.
“We have combined a decentralized, cash-producing operating business with the transformative power of Bitcoin,” Steak ‘n Shake stated.
It noted that Bitcoin has helped the company grow its sales and attract more customers.
Bitcoin Reserve and Employee Bonuses
In addition to boosting sales, Steak ‘n Shake has used its Bitcoin strategy to support employee incentives. The company now allocates Bitcoin payments into its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which it has said is also used to fund employee bonuses. Recently, it was revealed that employees are now receiving Bitcoin bonuses, with each worker earning $0.27 in Bitcoin per hour worked.
Nine months ago today, Steak n Shake launched its burger-to-Bitcoin transformation when we started accepting bitcoin payments. Our same-store sales have risen dramatically ever since.
Bitcoin payments for Steak n Shake burgers go into our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which then…
— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) February 16, 2026
Steak ‘n Shake has shown a strong commitment to Bitcoin as part of its operational strategy. The company holds about 161 BTC, valued at around $11 million. Its Bitcoin exposure has increased by $10 million since the reserve was created.
Future Outlook for Bitcoin Payments in Traditional Business
As Bitcoin adoption grows in mainstream businesses, Steak ‘n Shake’s strategy could set a precedent for others to follow. Venture capitalists like Vineet Budki of Sigma Capital see Bitcoin’s growing role in traditional businesses. “Corporate Bitcoin adoption won’t come from crypto-native firms it’ll come from traditional businesses treating Bitcoin like digital gold,” he said.
The increasing use of Bitcoin in traditional businesses could reshape how companies approach digital currency. While some merchants hesitate, the success of Steak ‘n Shake may encourage others to explore similar approaches. The company’s integration of Bitcoin into its operations appears to be more than just a marketing strategy.
