Steak ‘n Shake Accepts Bitcoin Payments Using Lightning Network

TLDR

• Steak ‘n Shake saves 50% on processing fees with Bitcoin.
• Franchisees can invest in locations using Bitcoin now.
• Bitcoin integration boosted sales metrics by 10.7%.

Steak ‘n Shake has announced its latest initiative involving Bitcoin transactions for funding and purchases in restaurants. As a part of this move, they will utilize the Lightning Network to process payments. The initiative, managed by Dan Edwards, COO of Steak ‘n Shake, is in collaboration with Speed, a payment provider.

This development allows both customers and franchisees to transact using Bitcoin, aiming to reduce transaction fees and encourage the use of cryptocurrencies. Steak ‘n Shake has struggled with previous sales declines but is now innovating through its parent company’s strategy. This initiative is part of a broader turnaround effort.

COO Dan Edwards on Bitcoin Adoption

Dan Edwards is leading the implementation of Bitcoin payments at Steak ‘n Shake. He highlights cost savings, stating, “When customers choose to pay in bitcoin instead of credit cards, we are saving about 50% in our processing fees.”

“This means that bitcoin is a win for the customer, it’s a win for us as a merchant, and it’s a win for the bitcoin community.”

Dan Edwards, COO, Steak ‘n Shake

Role of Speed in Seamless Integration

Speed, under CEO Jayneel Patel, powered the integration of Bitcoin payments at Steak ‘n Shake locations through its API-based solution. This technology supports transactions across various points, including kiosks, counters, and drive-throughs.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone for mainstream crypto adoption,” said Patel, highlighting the efficiency of their API-driven system.

Jayneel Patel, CEO, Speed

The rollout began on May 16, as announced by Dan Edwards at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference. Franchisees can now also invest using Bitcoin, consolidating Steak ‘n Shake’s commitment to cryptocurrency.

Franchise Investment Opportunities in Bitcoin

Beyond customer payments, franchisees now have the option to invest in new Steak ‘n Shake locations using Bitcoin. Dan Edwards mentioned that this strategy was not merely a marketing move but a practical payment option on par with traditional methods.

By integrating Bitcoin in franchise investments, the company aims for a financial transition that aligns with their cost-efficient approach. According to reports, the deployment of Bitcoin even boosted the company’s key sales metrics by 10.7%.

Implementing Bitcoin with the Lightning Network

Transactions at Steak ‘n Shake are facilitated through the Lightning Network, which aids in instant and low-fee Bitcoin transactions. This technology serves as the backbone for all Bitcoin-related transactions at the restaurant chain’s outlets.

No other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum are officially accepted by Steak ‘n Shake at present. The focus remains solely on Bitcoin, aligning with their cost reduction goals and payment infrastructure.