On May 16, 2025, Steak ‘n Shake became the first major U.S. fast-food chain to accept Bitcoin payments at all 393 U.S. locations. This wasn’t just a new payment option—it was a powerful brand statement. By partnering with Speed, a Crypto-native payment infrastructure provider, Steak ‘n Shake aligned its nearly century-old legacy with the future of money.
With 30% of the U.S. population having adopted crypto, the move was strategic—and authentic. Steak ‘n Shake believed in Bitcoin’s long-term value and saw real demand from its customer base. The company even tested sentiment through a social media post, which saw overwhelming support and validation from followers and crypto communities.
The decision to adopt Bitcoin was grounded in three key drivers
Steak ‘n Shake listened to its audience. A simple tweet gauging interest in Bitcoin payments turned into a strong signal—crypto users were ready, and Steak ‘n Shake responded.
The leadership team viewed Bitcoin—especially through Speed Wallet—as an equal and legitimate method of payment, not a novelty. This wasn’t about hype—it was about choice.
Despite operational complexity spanning franchise and corporate-owned stores with varying tech stacks, the goal was clear: deliver a consistent payment experience whether customers ordered via kiosk, drive-through, or the app.
Speed’s role was pivotal in translating Steak ‘n Shake’s vision into execution—quickly and at scale.
Speed’s APIs enabled a fast rollout across kiosks, drive-throughs, and mobile ordering—completed in just days.
Drive-through flows and POS needs were seamlessly integrated. Customers simply scan a QR code and pay in Bitcoin—no cash or cards needed.
Speed’s APIs fit right into existing systems, requiring no major changes or staff retraining.
The Speed dashboard delivered full transaction visibility, with custom fields tailored to Steak ‘n Shake’s finance requirements.
The launch made waves, with COO Dan Edwards announcing at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference:
From kiosks to drive-through, users experienced a faster, smoother checkout process—no cash, no cards, just scan and pay.
Embraced by the Bitcoin community, Steak ‘n Shake became a Bitcoin Conference sponsor and saw organic buzz from influencers and crypto media.
With zero friction at the point of sale and minimal change to backend systems, the rollout was as efficient as it was ambitious
Bitcoin payments significantly reduced transaction fees—cutting processing costs by up to 50% compared to credit cards.
Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin launch caught fire on social media, with influencers and crypto enthusiasts sharing their experiences across platforms. The momentum grew organically, turning everyday visits into viral moments and sparking global attention for the brand.
At Bitcoin Conference 2025, Steak ‘n Shake stole the spotlight as a main sponsor and keynote speaker, showcasing its bold leap into Bitcoin payments. Community excitement surged as the brand introduced a Bitcoin menu, earning praise from crypto enthusiasts worldwide.
Steak ‘n Shake has set a new standard in fast food by proving that legacy brands can lead in crypto adoption without losing operational control.
The brand is now a go-to destination for crypto users—especially Millennials and Gen Z looking to spend Bitcoin in everyday life.
As the first U.S. QSR chain to accept Bitcoin nationwide and explore Sats-based pricing menu, Steak 'n Shake has inspired conversations across the food and retail industry about the future of money.
The Bitcoin integration delivered free publicity, from viral social media moments to high-profile industry appearances—all without paid campaigns.
Steak ‘n Shake didn’t just integrate Bitcoin—it embraced a movement. And with Speed as its infrastructure partner, it turned a bold idea into a frictionless reality. As more businesses look to crypto, this case shows what’s possible when technology meets vision—and action.
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Speed is a leading Bitcoin payment processor for individuals & businesses. Accept Bitcoin payments in your online or offline store, instantly over the Lightning Network or on-chain, at no setup cost.
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