Steak ‘n Shake might be famous for its burgers and milkshakes, but now it’s making headlines for something entirely different: Bitcoin. The American fast-food chain recently shared that it’s seeing early success after adopting Bitcoin payments at all U.S. locations, and the numbers are turning heads across both the crypto and restaurant industries.
Fast-Food Meets Lightning Network
At the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, Steak ‘n Shake COO Dan Edwards took the stage with a bold claim: the company has already cut payment processing fees in half thanks to Bitcoin. Instead of relying on traditional credit card rails, which often come with fees between 2 and 3 percent, the chain has been using the Lightning Network, a layer-2 solution that allows for fast and low-cost Bitcoin transactions.
JUST IN: STEAK N SHAKE JUST SAID “#BITCOIN IS FASTER THAN CREDIT CARDS”. “WE ARE SAVING 50% IN PROCESSING FEES”
“WE ARE SEEING A SPIKE IN GROWTH AFTER ACCEPTING BTC” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/I9feEBbjZW
— The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) May 27, 2025
The Lightning Network doesn’t just speed up payments. It slashes costs, reduces reliance on banks, and provides a decentralized way to transfer funds. That’s a big deal in an industry where margins are notoriously tight.
1 in 500 Global Bitcoin Transactions
According to Edwards, Steak ‘n Shake didn’t just quietly test this out. On day one of the rollout, the chain was responsible for one in every 500 Bitcoin transactions globally. That might not sound huge, but for a burger chain to make that kind of impact in the Bitcoin ecosystem, especially in 24 hours, is no small feat.
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Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners
The move wasn’t just about making headlines. Edwards emphasized that lower transaction fees translate directly to better margins, a crucial edge in the fast-food business. By reducing payment costs by nearly 50%, the company can reinvest that money into operations, staffing, or customer experience.
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This kind of efficiency could set a trend. If other chains follow suit, Bitcoin might not just be for techies and traders anymore. It could be something you use when grabbing lunch.
A Broader Tech Vision
Bitcoin payments are just one piece of Steak ‘n Shake’s bigger tech strategy. Edwards hinted at a future that includes AI-powered kitchens, drone deliveries, and maybe even blockchain-powered loyalty programs. It’s a vision that pairs classic Americana with a futuristic twist.
The company is also exploring the idea of accepting Bitcoin from international franchisees, opening the door to crypto-backed expansion in markets where local regulations allow.
Customers Get in on the Fun
To celebrate the rollout, Steak ‘n Shake introduced a limited-time “Bitcoin Burger” and “Bitcoin Milkshake” at select locations. These were small but clever marketing plays that helped raise awareness and encouraged first-time Bitcoin payments.
Real Adoption, Real Results
In a space often filled with hype, Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin move stands out because it’s working. The company saw measurable savings and meaningful adoption almost immediately, all while flipping burgers and pouring shakes.
That’s not just a proof of concept. That’s real-world crypto, with fries on the side.
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Key Takeaways
Steak ‘n Shake has reduced its payment processing fees by 50% after adopting Bitcoin via the Lightning Network.
On launch day, the company accounted for 1 in every 500 Bitcoin transactions globally, signaling strong early adoption.
The fast-food chain highlighted how Lightning Network payments offer faster speeds and lower costs compared to credit cards.
Bitcoin payments are part of a larger tech vision that may include AI kitchens, drone deliveries, and blockchain loyalty programs.
Promos like the “Bitcoin Burger” and “Bitcoin Milkshake” helped raise awareness and drive real-world crypto use among customers.
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