Steak ‘N Shake now supports Bitcoin via Lightning Network in 393 stores, enabling fast, low-fee crypto payments and expanding adoption beyond tech-savvy users.
By partnering with a compliant processor, the brand converts BTC to USD instantly, avoiding price risk and fully integrating with existing POS and accounting systems.
The move signals a shift in U.S. retail: lower fees, crypto loyalty programs, and potential nationwide de-credit-cardization are emerging in the fast-food sector.
Steak ‘N Shake embraces Bitcoin Lightning Network in all 393 U.S. stores, cutting fees, boosting crypto adoption, and reshaping fast-food payments for the blockchain era.
CORE OF THE EVENT: HOW A FAST-FOOD GIANT TAKES THE FIRST STEP IN CRYPTO PAYMENTS
On May 16, 2025, the 90-year-old American fast-food chain Steak ‘N Shake announced a revolutionary decision: all 393 stores across the United States will fully support Bitcoin payments, covering 295 cities in 23 states. The cash registers serving over 100 million customers annually have officially opened their doors to cryptocurrency. This move is not a “pilot program” or “limited-time offer,” but a permanent upgrade of payment options, marking a crucial step for Bitcoin in transitioning from the tech-savvy community to mainstream consumer adoption.
Technical Support: The Breakthrough Power of the Lightning Network
Steak ‘N Shake has chosen to enable payments through the Bitcoin Lightning Network, a second-layer scaling technology that achieves transaction speeds of “second-level confirmation” with transaction fees costing less than 1% of traditional credit card payments (credit cards typically charge 2-3% in fees). Customers simply scan a dynamic QR code at checkout and complete the payment using a Lightning Network-compatible wallet (such as Cash App or Muun). The system converts Bitcoin to USD in real-time on the backend, eliminating the merchant’s exposure to price volatility risks.
Brand Motivation: Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and User Growth
According to internal calculations, if 50% of customers use Bitcoin for payment, Steak ‘N Shake could save millions of dollars in transaction fees annually. Additionally, the brand attracts a younger customer base through its “crypto-friendly” label—in early March, it launched an interactive topic on social media titled “HODL Bitcoin, Eat Fries,” successfully sparking community discussion and building momentum for the official announcement.
IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS: THE COMPLETE PROCESS FROM QR CODE PAYMENT TO MERCHANT BACKEND
Consumer Side: Complete the Transaction in Three Simple Steps
Step One: After ordering, select the “Bitcoin Payment” option, and the POS system generates a dynamic Lightning Network QR code;
Step Two: Scan the QR code with your mobile wallet, which automatically fills in the amount and payment address;
Step Three: Confirm the payment, receive a transaction confirmation within 3 seconds, and obtain a paper or electronic receipt.
Merchant side: Seamless integration with traditional financial systems
Steak ‘N Shake collaborates with a compliant payment processor to convert Bitcoin into USD in real-time at market rates, directly depositing funds into the business account to avoid financial risks associated with holding cryptocurrency. The system generates daily transaction reports and is fully compatible with existing POS systems, requiring no additional training for staff.
Security and compliance: Dual firewall design
Technical Aspects: Utilizes multi-signature wallets and cold storage solutions to prevent hacking attacks;
Legal Aspects: Transaction records are synchronized in real-time with tax systems, and customers are responsible for reporting capital gains taxes.
INDUSTRY DISRUPTION: THE CRYPTO REVOLUTION SIGNAL BEHIND THE BURGER PAYMENT WAR
The “Cost Revolution” for Physical Retail
Traditional retail has long been constrained by the high fees of Visa and Mastercard, but the low-cost nature of the Lightning Network offers a solution for the fast-food industry, which operates on thin margins. If the Steak ‘N Shake model proves successful, more chain brands are expected to follow suit, sparking a “de-credit cardization” trend.
Subtle Shift in the Policy Environment
This implementation coincides with a shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes: Arizona and New Hampshire have enacted laws recognizing Bitcoin as a reserve asset, and the SEC has increased its tolerance for crypto innovation, clearing obstacles for commercial applications.
Consumer Behavior Laboratory
On the first day of transactions, Bitcoin payments accounted for 0.2% (approximately 2,000 transactions), primarily concentrated in Florida and Texas stores where tech professionals gather. Although the current penetration rate is limited, the brand’s CMO stated, “What we aim to do is provide options, allowing the market to naturally cultivate demand.”
FUTURE OUTLOOK: FROM “PAYMENT EXPERIMENT” TO “ECOSYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE”
Short-Term Challenges
Volatility Anxiety: Some customers are concerned that Bitcoin’s price volatility may impact consumer psychology;
Education Costs: Older users still need to be educated on wallet usage and tax reporting knowledge.
Long-Term Opportunities
Cross-Border Scenario Breakthrough: Overseas tourists can directly use their home country’s Bitcoin assets for consumption without currency exchange;
Loyalty Program Innovation: Future plans may include a “Bitcoin Cashback” membership system to enhance user retention.
Industry Predictions
“This is not just an upgrade in payment methods, but a reconstruction of the commercial trust mechanism,” commented crypto analyst Jameson Lopp. “When McDonald’s and Starbucks begin researching the Lightning Network, we will realize how inspiring today’s events are.”
CONCLUSION: THE ERA’S METAPHOR BEHIND A BURGER
Steak ‘N Shake’s courage deserves applause—amid skepticism, they proved through action that Bitcoin is not just a toy for speculators but a practical efficiency tool. As their official Twitter account stated: “The movement is just beginning.”
Perhaps one day in the future, we will ask as naturally as we do about “cash or card”: “Shall we pay with Bitcoin today?”
〈When burgers meet blockchain, a milestone event as mainstream businesses embrace cryptocurrency〉這篇文章最早發佈於《CoinRank》。
