Steak ‘n Shake, a prominent fast-food burger franchise based in Indianapolis, reported notable growth in its same-store sales following the adoption of Bitcoin payments. Company representatives indicated that double-digit sales increases have followed since the brand began accepting the cryptocurrency in May 2025.
Bitcoin payments drive rapid growth
On its official X account, Steak ‘n Shake shared that its franchise partners posted a 19% increase in same-store sales this quarter. This performance marked an extraordinary period for the company, which has been actively publicizing the impact of integrating Bitcoin payments into its business model.
The company started facilitating Bitcoin transactions through the Lightning Network, a layer 2 payment protocol that enables faster and more cost-effective transfers by operating atop the main Bitcoin blockchain. Lightning Network integration allowed customers to pay for their meals with Bitcoin in a seamless manner.
Mini dictionary: Lightning Network, a layer 2 solution built on Bitcoin, enables rapid and low-cost transactions by creating off-chain payment channels between participants, which helps reduce congestion and fees on the main blockchain.
Earlier this year, Steak ‘n Shake announced the addition of $10 million in Bitcoin to its strategic reserve, stating its intention to hold cryptocurrency on its balance sheet. The move further underscored its commitment to digital assets as part of its long-term business strategy.
Industry-leading sales performance
Michael Boes, Chief MAHA Officer at Steak ‘n Shake, addressed industry peers during the Bitcoin 2026 Conference and described Bitcoin as a core driver of the company’s recent successes. Boes said that same-store sales rose 11% quarter over quarter in Q2 of 2025 and accelerated to 15% in Q3, surpassing sales growth at major industry competitors such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Domino’s.
He attributed the superior growth partly to the lower transaction costs provided by the Lightning Network, explaining that the savings from Bitcoin payments enabled Steak ‘n Shake to reduce processing fees by approximately half compared to traditional credit card systems. While conventional credit card processors charge merchants between 2.5% and 3.5% per transaction, Bitcoin transactions via Lightning Network proved to be markedly more affordable.
| Restaurant | Payment Method | Q2 2025 Same-Store Sales Growth | Transaction Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak ‘n Shake | Bitcoin (Lightning Network) | 11% | ~50% less than credit cards |
| McDonald’s | Traditional payments | Data not specified | 2.5%-3.5% |
| Taco Bell | Traditional payments | Data not specified | 2.5%-3.5% |
| Domino’s | Traditional payments | Data not specified | 2.5%-3.5% |
Boes remarked that these operational advantages positioned Steak ‘n Shake as an industry leader in same-store sales growth. He emphasized the central part that cost savings and technical efficiency played in the company’s financial resurgence.
“Bitcoin is real money made with real energy,” Boes noted, underscoring his belief in the value of digital currency for modern business operations.
Customer response and strategic focus
Steak ‘n Shake considered expanding its cryptocurrency payment options last year but decided against it after conducting a poll among its social media followers. The majority favored retaining Bitcoin as the sole digital currency for payments, prompting the company to abandon plans to introduce other cryptocurrencies.
With roots dating back to 1934, Steak ‘n Shake operates hundreds of outlets across the United States and is known for its steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. The company’s recent focus on Bitcoin is part of a broader shift toward digitization and efficiency as it adapts to evolving consumer payment preferences.
By adopting Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, Steak ‘n Shake has been able to offer low-cost, fast payments, leading to significant boosts in sales performance compared to its primary industry rivals.
