US Fast-Food Chain Steak ‘n Shake Launches Hourly Bitcoin Bonus for Workers

Steak ‘n Shake, the American fast-food chain famous for its steakburgers and milkshakes, has introduced a Bitcoin bonus program for its hourly employees at company-operated restaurants. Beginning March 1, 2026, employees will earn a $0.21 bonus in BTC per hour worked.

This means that a full-time employee working 40 hours a week could earn approximately $436 in Bitcoin bonuses annually, totaling around $873 over the two-year vesting period at current valuation. The incentive is in addition to regular wages; however, bonuses are subject to a 2-year vesting period before employees can access them. 

Steak ‘n Shake Embraces Bitcoin

Steak ‘n Shake has about 400 locations throughout the United States and employs approximately 10,000 workers. To encourage employee retention in a job sector with typically high turnover, the fast-food chain is launching a Bitcoin bonus program. The initiative indicates a shift towards increased corporate adoption of Bitcoin, extending beyond the financial sector into retail and hospitality.

In May 2025, the chain joined in accepting Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network, lowering transaction fees compared to regular credit cards. By October 2025, the company had moved to accepting customer Bitcoin payments rather than converting them to cash. That same month, payroll systems were updated so that employees could receive part of their wages in Bitcoin.

The company also launched a special Bitcoin Steakburger and meal deal, giving customers $5 in Bitcoin rewards through Fold, which increased customer interest. The latest development comes after the chain added $10 million to its Bitcoin treasury, signaling its increasing acceptance of cryptocurrency in operations. 

Public Response 

News of the hourly Bitcoin bonus program sparked mixed reactions on social media platforms like X. Supporters celebrated it as an innovative and empowering move for workers in a traditionally low-wage sector. They point to Bitcoin’s historical growth as a potential pathway to long-term wealth accumulation. 

Critics argue that the $0.21 hourly rate amounts to only $1.68 for a typical eight-hour shift, which they believe is too low compared to direct wage increases. Additionally, the two-year vesting requirement has faced criticism, as many fast-food workers tend to stay in their jobs for less than a year.

Meanwhile, market analysts note this as evidence of the expanding role of cryptocurrency in everyday business practices. Other restaurant chains may closely monitor the outcomes to determine whether they might replicate this model. The ultimate success of this initiative depends on Bitcoin’s performance and employee loyalty.

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