Steak 'n Shake reports double‑digit same‑store sales growth after accepting Bitcoin

Steak 'n Shake sees double‑digit same‑store sales growth after Bitcoin adoption

The burger chain Steak ’n Shake announced that its same‑store sales have risen by double‑digit percentages since it began accepting Bitcoin payments through the Lightning Network.

The company shared the update on its X account on September 9, 2026, noting a 19% increase in same‑store sales for the latest quarter.

Key numbers

• Same‑store sales growth: 19% this quarter (reported)
• Previous quarters: 11% Q2 2025, 15% Q3 2025 (reported)
• Bitcoin reserve added: $10 million (reported)
• Processing fee savings: roughly 50% compared with credit‑card fees (claimed)

Company announcement on X

Steak ’n Shake’s X post said the franchise has achieved “double‑digit same‑store sales growth” since it started accepting Bitcoin via Lightning. The post also highlighted the 19% sales gain for the current quarter.

What the company says

Chief MAHA Officer Michael Boes told attendees at the Bitcoin 2026 Conference that Bitcoin on Lightning is “cheaper and faster than traditional electronic payment methods.” He said the chain saved about 50% on processing fees because credit‑card processors charge 2.5%‑3.5% per transaction.

Boes also said Bitcoin has become a “core driver of the chain’s business performance” and that the company added $10 million of Bitcoin to its strategic reserve in January.

Why this matters

Accepting Bitcoin through Lightning allows customers to pay with a digital currency while the merchant pays lower transaction fees. Lower fees can improve profit margins, which may help explain the reported sales growth.

Sources

• Bitcoin Magazine