American fast food outlet Steak ‘n Shake has made a significant announcement, stating that it will begin accepting Bitcoin as a payment method at all its locations starting May 16. This initiative is set to provide a cryptocurrency payment option to over 100 million customers, a move the company has described as just the beginning of its engagement with digital currencies.
On May 9, Steak ‘n Shake hinted at the development via their social media platforms, where they introduced the concept of accepting Bitcoin. This tweet generated considerable interest within the crypto community, attracting responses from notable figures such as Jack Dorsey, who quickly expressed his support.
Previously, in March, the company had teased the idea of Bitcoin acceptance by asking its followers on social media if they believed the fast-food chain should adopt cryptocurrency. The overwhelming interest showcased a growing appetite among consumers for establishments that incorporate digital currency into everyday transactions.
As the fast food chain ramps up its Bitcoin-themed marketing strategies, it joins a limited yet notable group of restaurant chains that have moved beyond pilot programs to fully integrate cryptocurrency into their business model. Acceptance of Bitcoin is a remarkable step forward in the broader context of cryptocurrency adoption in mainstream commerce.
Joining the Ranks of Crypto-Friendly Fast Food Chains
Steak ‘n Shake’s acceptance of Bitcoin aligns it with other prominent fast food outlets that have ventured into the realm of cryptocurrency payments. Since 2022, Chipotle has embraced various cryptocurrencies through the Flexa network, allowing customers to pay with Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana, among others. Subway has been an early adopter in this space, experimenting with Bitcoin payments as far back as 2013 at select franchises.
Additionally, KFC briefly offered a unique promotion, the “Bitcoin Bucket,” in Canada in 2018, while McDonald’s has accepted Bitcoin in locations in Switzerland. Burger King has also dipped its toes into cryptocurrency by accepting crypto gift cards and direct payments in select regions.
In a notable historical context, the very first Bitcoin transaction for food took place on May 22, 2010, when Laszlo Hanyecz famously purchased two pizzas for 10,000 BTC, an event commemorated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Today, those pizzas would be worth over a billion dollars, reflecting the astounding growth in cryptocurrency value since its inception.
As more fast food chains adopt cryptocurrency transactions, the landscape of consumer payment options continues to evolve. The transaction between Bitcoin and everyday meals highlights a growing acceptance and curiosity surrounding digital currencies among the general public.
For those interested in learning more about purchasing food using Bitcoin, resources are available that detail various points of access to cryptocurrency. As this space continues to grow, consumers might find that their favorite fast food chains are becoming increasingly more integrated with the digital currency ecosystem.
