Steak ‘n Shake Expands to El Salvador After Bitcoin Payment Rollout

TLDR

• Steak ‘n Shake announced its plans to expand into El Salvador after adopting Bitcoin as a payment method.
• The company began accepting Bitcoin at all US locations on May 16, 2025, leading to increased sales.
• Steak ‘n Shake introduced a “Bitcoin Steakburger” and other Bitcoin-themed items to celebrate the new payment option.
• A survey found that 53% of participants supported accepting Ether as a payment method.
• After facing backlash from Bitcoin supporters, the company canceled its proposal to accept Ether.
• Steak ‘n Shake reported an 11% increase in same-store sales for the second quarter, driven by the Bitcoin initiative.

Steak ‘n Shake, the American fast-food chain, has announced plans to expand into El Salvador after embracing Bitcoin as a payment method. The company made this decision public following its participation in the Bitcoin Histórico event held in San Salvador. This event took place in El Salvador’s capital city on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

The announcement followed the company’s excitement about operating in a country that supports Bitcoin. El Salvador became the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, and its commitment to cryptocurrencies has attracted global attention. Steak ‘n Shake shared its plans for expansion on social media, confirming its intention to settle in El Salvador.

Steak ‘n Shake Celebrates Bitcoin Launch With Burger

Steak ‘n Shake began accepting Bitcoin for payments across its US locations on May 16, 2025. The company announced the new “Bitcoin Steakburger” on social media to celebrate the occasion. This new payment method came just a week after the company revealed its intention to accept Bitcoin, following a social media post on May 9.

After introducing Bitcoin payments, the company saw an 11% increase in same-store sales for the second quarter of the fiscal year. Analysts believe this growth is attributable to the decision to accept Bitcoin. As a result, Steak ‘n Shake has gained traction among the Bitcoin community, highlighting the increasing trend of Bitcoin adoption by businesses.

The decision to accept Bitcoin reflects the growing interest in cryptocurrency for everyday purchases. The move also comes as Bitcoin continues to make waves in the global financial landscape. With El Salvador leading the way in Bitcoin adoption, Steak ‘n Shake’s expansion into the country seems to align with the country’s commitment to digital currencies.

Ether Payment Option Rejected After Community Pushback

In a recent social media survey, Steak ‘n Shake asked its followers whether they should start accepting Ether as a payment method. The survey received a strong response, with 53% of the 48,815 respondents voting in favor of Ether payments. However, the proposal faced fierce criticism from Bitcoin supporters, who voiced concerns about Ether’s centralized nature.

One prominent Bitcoin supporter, Ron Sovereignty Swanson, strongly criticized the idea, calling Ether “centralized trash” and warning the company that it would lose “all your Bitcoiner customers” if they moved forward. This backlash led the company to reconsider its decision, and on October 11, Steak ‘n Shake announced the cancellation of the Ether payment proposal.

In a statement, the company declared, “Poll canceled. We stand with Bitcoiners. You have made your choice known.” The reversal of the Ether proposal reflects Steak ‘n Shake’s commitment to the Bitcoin community, a crucial factor in the company’s growth. As Steak ‘n Shake continues to gain popularity with Bitcoin enthusiasts, it is clear that the company is focused on the cryptocurrency’s future in the fast-food industry.

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