Pro-Bitcoin restaurant Steak ’n Shake announces major expansion into El Salvador
Steak ’n Shake, the American fast-food chain increasingly known for its embrace of Bitcoin payments, has announced its expansion into El Salvador, the world’s first country to adopt BTC as legal tender. The company revealed the news on Saturday following its participation in Bitcoin Histórico, a national event celebrating the country’s continued Bitcoin initiatives.
“We were honored to be in Bitcoin Country,” the company shared on X (formerly Twitter), signaling its enthusiasm for growth in a nation at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption.
Bitcoin payments drive surge in sales
Steak ’n Shake first began accepting Bitcoin (BTC) at its U.S. locations in May. According to Chief Operations Officer Dan Edwards, the long-term goal is for Bitcoin to be accepted at every Steak ’n Shake location worldwide.
The company has already attributed an 11% increase in same-store sales in Q2 to its adoption of BTC payments—an early indicator of how embracing digital currency can materially benefit retail businesses.
Within the broader Bitcoin community, Steak ’n Shake has quickly become an iconic example of merchant adoption, illustrating how cryptocurrency can be used for everyday purchases—a key step toward mainstream, global-scale use.
A controversial poll: Steak ’n Shake walks back ether proposal
In October, the company stirred debate when it posted a poll on X asking followers whether it should begin accepting Ether (ETH) as a payment method. Out of 48,815 respondents, 53% voted yes.
However, the proposal triggered immediate backlash from Bitcoin maximalists who view BTC—not ETH—as the only legitimate decentralized currency.
“ETH is centralized garbage. Bitcoin is freedom,” wrote one user, Ron Sovereignty Swanson, echoing sentiments widely expressed in the thread.
Despite initially stating it would “abide by the results,” Steak ’n Shake later reversed course. On the same day the poll was launched, the company suspended it, posting:
“Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken. Who even allowed this? I’m back at my desk.”
The reversal reinforced the company’s strong alignment with the Bitcoin community and its focus on BTC-exclusive payments.
Record-setting Q3 sales cement a strong year
In November, Steak ’n Shake announced a 15% quarter-over-quarter increase in same-store sales for Q3, marking another period of rapid growth. The company outperformed major competitors including McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and even coffee giant Starbucks in same-store sales momentum.
Its strong financial performance—combined with a bold commitment to Bitcoin—positions Steak ’n Shake as both a fast-food leader and a prominent pioneer in crypto-powered commerce.
