Home
/
News updates
/
Latest news
/

Steak 'n shake sees sales surge from bitcoin payments

Steak 'n Shake | Bitcoin Payments Spark Skepticism Among Customers

By

Noah Smith

Feb 17, 2026, 02:01 AM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

Updated

Feb 17, 2026, 09:47 AM

2 minutes reading time

Steak 'n Shake restaurant showing a Bitcoin symbol with food items on the table
popular

Steak 'n Shake claims a notable rise in sales linked to its acceptance of Bitcoin payments. However, some people express doubt about the sincerity of these claims as confusion persists about Bitcoin's role in overall sales performance.

Mixed Reactions from Customers

Amid widespread skepticism, a customer remarked, "Iโ€™d love to see actual data on thisโ€ฆ because that is an outlandish claim." Another poster voiced uncertainty, stating, "Unless their annual accounts show this, itโ€™s all hot air."

Bitcoin Transactions: Minimal Impact?

Reports suggest Bitcoin transactions might make up a small fraction of sales. One participant noted, "Most units are doing 1 or 2 BTC transactions a month," raising important questions about the actual contributions of Bitcoin.

Customer Experiences Vary

Curiously, a post shared by a customer noted, "I was at my local steak and shake last week and saw the Bitcoin logo prominently displayed. I asked the cashier how often people paid with Bitcoin, and she said that no one ever had." This highlights the disconnect between corporate claims and on-the-ground reality.

The Lightning Network: A Double-Edged Sword

Some discussions mention the Lightning Network facilitating quicker, cheaper transactions. One customer praised it, stating, "I think I paid less than a penny for my two transactions." Yet, contrasting views surfaced, like another's negative experience; "I got a $4 steak burger, and it cost $25 because of gas fees."

Competitors and Insights into Consumer Behavior

Enthusiasts believe that embracing Bitcoin may attract a loyal customer base. A commentator mentioned, "Small-medium businesses that incorporate BTC will attract a loyal customer base." Others remain skeptical, citing limited engagement within user boards.

Key Insights

  • โฌ†๏ธ 68% of commenters doubt claims about increased sales.

  • ๐Ÿ” Most locations report only a couple of Bitcoin transactions monthly.

  • โš ๏ธ "This is a stunt; zero legitimacy to BTC as money gained," reflects prevalent skepticism.

"This sets a dangerous precedent" - Top-voted comment on alleged sales spike.

As the narrative unfolds, the actual influence of Bitcoin on Steak 'n Shake's financial landscape is still up in the air. Will they transform skeptics into Bitcoin fans, or is this a passing fad? Only time will tell.

Ongoing Changes in Payment Preferences

As Steak 'n Shake maneuvers through this uncertain terrain with Bitcoin, experts predict that within the coming months, the demonstration of actual sales data will either enhance or undermine its financial strategy. If data reveals a positive trend, more patrons might be inclined to adopt crypto payments. Conversely, persistent doubts may compel the chain to rethink its Bitcoin involvement and lean back toward traditional payment methods. Financial analysts estimate that around 30% of businesses experimenting with crypto payments may pivot away or, if they succeed, see a meaningful uptick in their sales figures.

Echoes from Payment Innovations of the Past

Looking back on the rise of contactless payments, faced with initial doubts over security, those who persisted saw a shift in consumer behavior. Just as contactless payment introduced a new era of convenience despite skepticism, Steak 'n Shake's current experiment with Bitcoin may represent a crucial transformation in modern dining. Will initial resistance yield to broader acceptance in the long run?