Steak ‘n Shake unveils $10M Bitcoin plan, staff bonuses

Steak ‘n Shake boosts Bitcoin exposure by $10M and will offer hourly staff $0.21 in Bitcoin per hour worked, with a two-year vesting period, starting March 1, 2026.

Steak ‘n Shake, a prominent US fast-food chain, has taken a significant step toward Bitcoin integration. The company has increased its Bitcoin exposure by $10 million in notional value, attributing notable same-store sales growth to accepting Bitcoin payments over the past eight months. All Bitcoin received from sales is allocated to a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Starting March 1, 2026, Steak ‘n Shake will launch a Bitcoin bonus program for hourly and part-time employees at company-operated locations. Staff will earn a $0.21 Bitcoin bonus for every hour worked, which will accrue automatically and be subject to a two-year vesting period before withdrawal. Supported by Fold, this initiative aims to reward employees, boost retention, and introduce a Bitcoin savings element to compensation. This move marks a milestone for digital asset adoption in the restaurant industry.