According to reports, Steak ‘n Shake publicly hinted at 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 highlighted the move as part of its public image. The company also rolled out a themed menu called “Bitcoin Steak Burger” to commemorate the start of payments.
Bitcoin friendly extension
According to reports, the chain first hinted at promoting cryptocurrencies in an X post on May 9, 2025, stating that a crypto option would be coming soon. The payment option will go live at all U.S. locations on May 16, 2025, and the company’s chief operations officer Dan Edwards told reporters that the company aims to offer BTC at all locations around the world.
The message is clear. Steak ‘n Shake wants to be known as a merchant that welcomes BTC payments.
El Salvador is a wonderful country 🇸🇻
We had the honor of serving tallow fries and handing out grass-fed and Wagyu beef tallow cooking oil at Bitcoin Country.
The beginning of a beautiful friendship https://t.co/VIyzL9OT3M
— SteaknShake (@SteaknShake) November 15, 2025
Rapid sales growth and analysts’ views
According to reports, the company’s same-store sales increased by 11% in the second quarter after the rollout. The chain then reported a 15% increase in third-quarter same-store sales.
Analysts who looked at the numbers said that acceptance of cryptocurrencies likely drove the rise, although it is difficult to prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The company’s third quarter growth was compared to fast food giants. During that period, Steak & Shake outsold McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and Starbucks, according to the report.
Social opinion, backlash, and reversal
Steak ‘n Shake sparked a strong response when they asked their followers if they should add Ether as a payment option. Approximately 48,800 people expressed their opinion, and approximately 53% voted in favor. The poll drew sharp comments from some Bitcoin supporters.
We would like to thank Bitcoiners for helping us achieve the best same-store sales performance in our category. 👏
And believe it or not, this quarter saw even higher growth. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/s2wuTwUPkb
— SteaknShake (@SteaknShake) November 14, 2025
One commentator, who identified himself as Ron Sovereignty Swanson, wrote, “ETH is just centralized garbage. Bitcoin is a symbol of freedom. If you do that, you will lose all Bitcoiner customers, including me.”
Then, on October 11, the company canceled the vote, posting, “Voting has been canceled. We stand with Bitcoiners. You have made your choice clear. Who suggested this? I’m back at my desk.”
Community influence on corporate decisions
Based on the report, this reversal shows how vocal customer groups can shape business choices. Steak ‘n Shake’s quick exit from the Ether idea suggests that it values supporting its Bitcoin-focused patrons.
That support appears to be helping the brand in the crypto world, with the chain’s public stance becoming a hot topic among Bitcoin fans online.
Featured images from Steak N Shake, charts from TradingView
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