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Steak 'n Shake Adds $10 Million to Bitcoin Reserve After Lightning Payments Boost Sales

The chain ties BTC checkouts to a reserve that funds restaurant upgrades.

Overview

  • On Jan. 17, the 91-year-old burger chain said it increased its Bitcoin exposure by $10 million, reported as roughly 105 BTC at current prices.
  • Steak 'n Shake has accepted Bitcoin via the Lightning Network since May 2025 at all U.S. locations, with company data citing low-to-mid double-digit same-store sales gains.
  • Management says Lightning payments cut processing costs by about 50% and that all BTC receipts flow into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve rather than being converted to cash.
  • The company frames the reserve as reinvestment capital for food quality, store upgrades, and remodels without raising menu prices, alongside Bitcoin-themed promotions and a Fold rewards offer.
  • Coverage notes the announcement used “notional value” language and lacked custody or audit details, and the holding remains small compared with the largest corporate treasuries.