Steak ‘N Shake Boosts Bitcoin Holdings After 18% Increase in Store Sales
Steak ‘n Shake said this week it quietly increased its Bitcoin holdings as in-store sales jumped. The chain added $5 million in BTC to what it calls its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, bringing the total amount of crypto holdings to $15 million.
Reports say that the company pointed to crypto payments as one of the reasons why same-store sales are up 18% so far in 2026.
Steak ‘N Shake’s Bitcoin Move
According to the brand’s public post, every crypto payment made at restaurants goes directly into the place instead of being taken out.
This has allowed the treasury to grow both from customer purchases and from occasional treasury purchases. The latest post announced the addition of $5 million after earlier disclosures that the reserve was increased by $10 million in January.
Steak n Shake’s Burger-to-Bitcoin conversion continues.
Today we increased our Bitcoin exposure by $5,000,000 in brain value.
All Bitcoin sales go into our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Our self-sustaining system – improving food quality that increases same-store sales…
– Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) January 27, 2026
What the Numbers Mean
On paper, $15 million is small next to the wealth of the largest companies holding BTC. However, for a restaurant chain, it’s an obvious bet.
Reports note that the company began accepting crypto in some areas in May 2025, and says that the payment option helped draw a certain type of customer and cut down payment fees. That combination, the company says, helped lift traffic and sales.
Image: Getty Images
Eight months ago today, Steak n Shake launched its burger-to-Bitcoin transition when we began accepting bitcoin payments. Our same-store sales have increased significantly since then.
All Bitcoin sales go into our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Today we raised our Bitcoin…
– Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) January 17, 2026
Employee Bonuses and Promotion
The issue of crypto has also been used in employee discourse. Steak ‘n Shake has announced a small BTC bonus program for hourly workers, paid in BTC and subject to cash handover rules.
That move generated headlines and some debate, as paying employees in crypto raises practical and legal questions. The series has been clear about wanting the reserve to support the company’s goals rather than being a quick trading game.
BTCUSD trading at $89,173 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView
Useful Tests
This is not a technological fad. The company was running a simple experiment: accept BTC, store crypto, and see if it helps sales or loyalty.
Some stores have reported same-store sales gains as double digits in various locations over the past year, and the company’s narrative links those gains to the crypto program. Independent audits or formal filings that fully confirm the trade-to-crypto link are not yet public.
How Observers See It
Analysts and market watchers treated the move as an interesting story. Some see sales success; others call it a small but symbolic treasure game.
There are risks: Changes in the price of BTC can change the value of the reserve quickly, and operational problems regarding the crypto payment can cause conflicts in the account.
Still, the chain seems committed for now, and that consistency is important in a crowded retail sector.
Featured image from NSU Dining Serviceschart from TradingView
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