
Steak Restaurant Chain 'n Shake, known for its burgers and milkshakes, is actively developing a comprehensive system for using bitcoin in its operations. Under the management of Biglari Holdings, the company has created a model where customer payments in cryptocurrency, employee incentives, and corporate finance management form a single mechanism. According to management, this approach is already showing a positive effect, reflected in an increase in sales.
The first step towards bitcoin integration was taken in January 2026, when Steak 'n Shake has acquired digital assets for its treasury. The platform bitcointreasuries.net notes that the initial transaction took place on January 16. At the moment, the network's reserves have reached 161.6 BTC. The service estimates that the average purchase price was about $92,851 per coin. At today's market value, the total amount of savings is estimated at approximately $11.93 million.
But the company did not stop at simply preserving assets. At the end of January, it was announced the expansion of cryptocurrency investments in the amount of 5 million dollars. All incoming funds from sales are now directed to a special Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). According to the idea of management, this fund is not intended for passive storage, but serves as a source of financing for other business processes.
The staff motivation program has become a significant change. On March 1, 2026, all hourly employees began receiving an additional bonus in bitcoins, equivalent to $0.21 for each working hour. Payments of these funds are provided with a two-year delay, which simultaneously serves as a tool for delaying personnel and familiarizing employees with digital assets. The source for bonuses is the same bitcoin reserve, which is replenished thanks to customers who choose cryptocurrency payments.
The business logic of the model implemented by Steak 'n Shake is built on a cycle: payments in bitcoin are processed faster and with lower fees, which reduces operating costs. The saved funds are reinvested in improving product quality. This is expected to boost consumer demand and increase revenue. The increase in sales, in turn, attracts more payments in cryptocurrency, which again fall into the reserve, completing the circle.
Thus, Steak 'n Shake has created not just the ability to pay with bitcoin, but an integrated system covering financial reserves and personnel management. The first available financial results indicate that such a strategy can have a significant impact on key business metrics. This experience can be a useful example for other enterprises exploring the possibilities of introducing digital assets into their operations.