Steak ’N Shake Boosts Bitcoin Holdings After 18% Rise In Store Sales

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-01-28Last updated on 2026-01-28

Abstract

Steak 'N Shake has significantly increased its Bitcoin holdings, adding $5 million to its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, bringing its total crypto holdings to approximately $15 million. The company attributes an 18% rise in same-store sales in 2026 partly to its crypto payment adoption, which began in May 2025. All cryptocurrency payments are directed into the reserve rather than being converted to cash. The initiative has reportedly attracted new customers and reduced payment processing fees. Additionally, the company introduced a Bitcoin bonus program for hourly employees, sparking both publicity and debate. While the move is viewed by some as a marketing success, it carries risks due to Bitcoin's price volatility. The company maintains a long-term strategy rather than short-term trading.

Steak ’n Shake said this week that it quietly beefed up its Bitcoin stash as in-store sales jumped. The chain added $5 million in BTC to what it calls a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, bringing total crypto holdings to roughly $15 million.

Reports say the company pointed to crypto payments as one of the reasons same-store sales rose by 18% so far in 2026.

Steak ’N Shake’s Bitcoin Move

According to the brand’s social posts, every crypto payment made at its restaurants goes straight into that reserve instead of being cashed out.

This has let the reserve grow both from customer purchases and from occasional treasury buys. The latest post announced the $5 million top-up after an earlier disclosure that the reserve had been boosted by $10 million in January.

What The Numbers Mean

On paper, $15 million is small next to big corporate treasuries that hold BTC. Still, for a restaurant chain, it is a visible bet.

Reports note the company began accepting crypto across some locations in May 2025, and it claims that the payment option helped draw a certain kind of customer and cut payment fees. That combination, the company says, helped lift traffic and sales.

Image: Getty Images

Employee Bonuses And Publicity

The crypto story has also been used in staff talk. Steak ’n Shake announced a small BTC bonus plan for hourly workers, paid in BTC and subject to vesting rules.

That move created headlines and some debate, since paying workers in crypto raises practical and legal questions. The chain has been clear about wanting the reserve to support company goals rather than be a quick trading play.

BTCUSD trading at $89,173 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView

A Practical Experiment

This is not a tech fad. The company has been running a simple experiment: accept BTC, keep the crypto, and see if it helps sales or loyalty.

Some outlets reported the same-store sales gains as double digits in various quarters last year, and the company’s narrative ties those gains to the crypto program. Independent audits or formal filings that fully confirm the sales-to-crypto link are not yet public.

How Observers See It

Analysts and market observers have treated the move as an interesting case study. Some see a marketing win; others call it a small but symbolic treasury play.

There are risks: BTC price swings can change the value of the reserve quickly, and operational issues around crypto pay can create friction at the counter.

Still, the chain appears committed for now, and that consistency matters in a crowded retail field.

Featured image from NSU Dining Services, chart from TradingView

Related Questions

QWhat is the total value of Steak 'N Shake's Bitcoin holdings after the recent $5 million purchase?

AThe total value of Steak 'N Shake's Bitcoin holdings is roughly $15 million.

QWhat reason did the company give for the 18% increase in same-store sales in 2026?

AThe company pointed to crypto payments as one of the reasons for the 18% rise in same-store sales.

QHow does Steak 'N Shake's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve grow?

AThe reserve grows from customer crypto payments made at its restaurants and from occasional treasury buys.

QWhat additional employee benefit, related to Bitcoin, did the company announce?

AThe company announced a small BTC bonus plan for hourly workers, paid in Bitcoin and subject to vesting rules.

QWhen did Steak 'N Shake begin accepting cryptocurrency payments?

AThe company began accepting crypto across some locations in May 2025.

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