Steak ‘n Shake reportedly publicly announced its plans to expand into El Salvador after attending the Bitcoin Histórico event in San Salvador on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
The fast food chain, which began accepting Bitcoin in the United States on May 16, 2025, has been highlighting the move as part of its public image. The company also launched a themed menu item called “Bitcoin Steakburger” to celebrate the launch of payments.
Bitcoin friendly extensions
According to reports, the chain first hinted at a cryptocurrency push with an X post on May 9, 2025, revealing that a cryptocurrency option would be launched soon. The payment option became active in all regions of the United States on May 16, 2025, and the company’s Chief Operating Officer Dan Edwards told reporters that the company plans to offer BTC in all regions of the world.
The message is clear. Steak ‘n Shake wants to be known as a merchant that welcomes BTC payments.
El Salvador is a good country 🇸🇻
We had the honor of serving Beef Tallow Fries at Bitcoin Country and giving away Grass-Fed and Wagyu Beef Tallow Cooking Oil.
The beginning of a beautiful friendship https://t.co/VIyzL9OT3M
— Steak & Shake (@SteaknShake) November 15, 2025
Soaring sales and what analysts say
The report found that same-store sales increased 11% in the company’s second quarter following launch. The chain later reported a 15% increase in same-store sales in the third quarter.
Analysts who looked at the numbers said cryptocurrency adoption likely helped fuel the upturn, but it’s difficult to prove direct cause and effect. The company’s third quarter growth has been compared to some of the biggest names in the fast food industry. According to the report, Steak ‘n Shake outperformed McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and Starbucks during that period.
Opinion polls, backlash, and reversal
Steak ‘n Shake sparked a strong response when it asked its followers if they should add Ether as a payment option. About 48,800 people participated, and about 53% voted in favor. The poll drew sharp comments from some Bitcoin supporters.
Thank you Bitcoiners for helping us achieve the best same-store sales performance in our category! 👏
And believe it or not, we are seeing even higher growth rates this quarter! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/s2wuTwUPkb
— Steak & Shake (@SteaknShake) November 14, 2025
One critic identified as Ron Sovereignty Swanson wrote, “ETH is just centralized garbage. Bitcoin stands for freedom. If you do that, you’ll lose all your Bitcoiner customers, including me.”
Later, on October 11, the company canceled the poll and posted: “Survey has been cancelled. We stand with Bitcoin supporters. You have made your choice known. Who suggested this? I am back at my desk.”
Community influence on corporate decisions
According to the report, the twist shows how vocal customer groups can shape business choices. Steak ‘n Shake’s quick retreat from the Ether idea suggested that it values the support of its Bitcoin-centric customers.
This support appears to have benefited the brand within the cryptocurrency industry, with the chain’s public stance creating a buzz among Bitcoin fans online.
Featured image by Steak N Shake, TradingView chart
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