Beyond the Hype: Real-World Benefits of Bitcoin Payments for QSRs

Over the past decade, Bitcoin has evolved from a niche experiment into a global financial asset. But beyond the investment buzz and crypto speculation, Bitcoin is now unlocking real value for businesses—especially in the fast-moving world of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs). While many industries are just beginning to explore digital assets, forward-thinking QSRs are already integrating Bitcoin payments to streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

One standout example is Steak ‘n Shake, a legacy American QSR chain that has embraced Bitcoin payments through Speed—a cutting-edge crypto payment processor. This move has positioned them as one of the first large fast-food brands to offer real-world Lightning Network transactions at the counter.

In this blog, we go beyond the hype to explore how and why Bitcoin payments make real business sense for QSRs—and what Steak ‘n Shake’s successful integration teaches us about the future of payments.

Common pain points for QSRs with traditional payment methods:

• High processing fees from card networks (often 2-3%)
• Settlement delays of 1-3 days affecting cash flow
• Chargebacks and fraud from credit card misuse
• Hardware dependencies and POS complexity
• Limited global reach—especially for travelers without local cards

These issues are not just technical—they directly affect the QSRs bottom line and customer experience.

Bitcoin payments, especially over the Lightning Network, offer a powerful alternative that aligns perfectly with the operational DNA of fast food brands.

1. Instant settlement: Speed at the core

In a business where margins are tight and daily cash flow is essential, waiting 1–3 business days for settlement can be a silent killer. Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network are settled instantly—in seconds.

Benefits of instant settlement for QSRs:

• Real-time visibility into daily revenue
• Faster fund availability for restocking and payroll
• Simplified end-of-day reconciliation
• No reliance on banking hours or intermediaries

Steak ‘n Shake, through its integration with Speed, now enjoys real-time settlements when customers pay in Bitcoin over Lightning. Whether during lunch rush or late-night shifts, payments clear instantly—giving the brand a distinct operational edge.

2. Drastically lower payment processing fees

Traditional card payments can cost QSRs up to 3% per transaction, not including monthly fees, hardware charges, or hidden processing costs. For a brand doing thousands of transactions a day, these fees can stack up to millions annually.

Bitcoin payments, particularly over Lightning, come with near-zero network fees and no intermediaries.

What this means:

• Substantial cost savings over time
• Higher net revenue per transaction
• Ability to pass savings to customers or reinvest in operations

For Steak ‘n Shake, using Speed’s platform means no surprises and no hidden fees—making every Bitcoin transaction more cost-efficient than a traditional card swipe.

3. No chargebacks, no fraud

Credit card fraud is a persistent issue for QSRs, especially with online orders and mobile POS systems. Chargebacks, disputes, and fraudulent transactions can drain resources and complicate accounting.

With Bitcoin:

• Transactions are final and irreversible
• Payments are cryptographically secured
• No personal data is shared during checkout
• No risk of identity theft

By accepting Bitcoin, QSRs eliminate the headache of chargebacks and create a more secure payment environment for both the business and the customer.

4. Appealing to crypto-native customers

Consumer behaviour is evolving, especially among Gen Z and Millennials who are more likely to:

• Use digital wallets
• Prefer contactless payments
• Own cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or stablecoins
• Look for brands that embrace innovation

Offering Bitcoin payments can help QSRs stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract customers who value speed, privacy, and cutting-edge technology.

Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin acceptance generated social media buzz and media coverage, allowing the brand to connect with a new generation of digital-first diners.

5. Simple integration with existing systems

There’s a common myth that accepting Bitcoin requires overhauling your entire POS system. With modern solutions like Speed, integration is fast and easy—no crypto expertise required.

Speed offers:

• Developer-friendly APIs
• Plugins for POS, mobile, or web
• Test environments for pilots
• Simple dashboards for tracking performance

Whether you’re a single-location QSR or a nationwide chain, Bitcoin payment integration can be rolled out in weeks, not months. For Steak ‘n Shake, the process was seamless and didn’t disrupt store operations—proving how accessible crypto payments have become.

6. Support for multi-asset payments

Many customers may want to pay in Bitcoin (BTC), while others prefer stablecoins like USDT or USDC, especially in regions facing currency volatility. Supporting multiple crypto assets expands your reach and accommodates diverse preferences.

With Speed, QSRs can accept:

• BTC (Bitcoin) – on chain and Lightning
• USDT (Tether) – Ethereum,Tron, Lightning
• USDC (USD Coin) – Ethereum, Lightning

Offering this flexibility future-proofs the payment system and gives QSRs an edge in both local and global markets.

Step 1: Choose the right processor

Look for a partner like Speed that supports both on-chain and Lightning transactions and offers tools designed for fast, high-volume businesses.

Step 2: Integrate

Use APIs, plugins, or QR-based checkout flows to integrate crypto payments into your existing POS or mobile systems. Speed test mode allows safe sandbox testing before going live.

Step 3: Educate staff

Train staff on how to handle Bitcoin transactions. With user-friendly interfaces and real-time confirmations, this is often easier than credit card training.

Step 4: Go live & promote

Let customers know you accept Bitcoin. Add signage, social media announcements, and offers to attract early adopters and crypto holders.

Step 5: Monitor & expand

Use a dashboard to track performance and expand to more locations as demand grows.