Steak 'n Shake Credits Bitcoin for Record Same-Store Sales

Steak 'n Shake, the 92-year-old burger chain, has seen a significant boost in business thanks to Bitcoin payments. The company's parent, Biglari Holdings, reported a 13.8% increase in domestic comparable sales during Q2 2026. This comes just over 15 months after Steak 'n Shake began accepting Bitcoin at its restaurants.

The chain now combines Lightning payments with a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and employee BTC bonuses, integrating crypto into its operating strategy. According to Steak 'n Shake's Twitter account, customers using Bitcoin have been instrumental in supporting the business, with one tweet stating that they've produced the best same-store sales in the fast food industry.

The company also reported restaurant-segment pre-tax operating earnings of $6.3 million, compared to $3.7 million a year earlier. Steak 'n Shake's crypto integration goes beyond just allowing customers to spend BTC, with payments processed through the Lightning Network and directed into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve rather than immediately converted into dollars.

The reserve, which now holds two additions worth $10 million and $5 million in notional value, gives the company continued Bitcoin exposure alongside its restaurant operations. Steak 'n Shake also introduced a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked for hourly employees at company-operated restaurants, adding Bitcoin to compensation rather than replacing regular wages.