Steak n Shake advances its Bitcoin strategy: offering cryptocurrency bonuses and an exclusive burger design for employees

In the context of an increasingly aggressive digital transformation, Steak n Shake is consolidating its positioning in the cryptocurrency sector through a series of coordinated initiatives. The company announced on Tuesday a bitcoin rewards program for hourly staff, a move that reflects the chain’s commitment to reimagining the relationship between employers and employees in the crypto era.

How the Bitcoin Rewards Program Works

Starting March 1st, hourly employees at Steak n Shake locations operated directly by the company will receive a bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for each hour worked. Rewards will not be immediately available: the system includes a two-year vesting period, during which employees must remain with the company to accumulate and then redeem the acquired BTC.

The amount roughly corresponds to 1% of the US federal minimum wage. Considering an employee working 30 hours per week, the annual accumulation could reach approximately $327 in bitcoin based on initial calculations. The program is managed in collaboration with Fold, an app specialized in distributing cryptocurrency rewards.

This incentive structure echoes stock option mechanisms common in the tech sector: a long-term retention strategy that ties benefits to the duration of the employment relationship. It represents a move for Steak n Shake that combines crypto innovation with traditional personnel management policies.

The Evolution of the Crypto Strategy: from Lightning Payments to Bitcoin Meal with Hamburger Design

The new bonus policy is not an isolated initiative but the latest chapter in a broad strategy launched in 2025. Last May, Steak n Shake began accepting bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network at all US locations, a decision that yielded tangible results: according to COO Dan Edwards, integrating the technology halved credit card processing fees.

This reduction in operational costs directly reflected in performance: same-store sales grew by over 10% in the second quarter of 2025. The company also enhanced its offerings with highly visible branding initiatives, such as the Bitcoin Meal launched in October. This product, featuring an exclusive themed hamburger design, also includes a small donation to Bitcoin’s open-source development projects.

The choice to pair the crypto-themed hamburger design with employee payment and compensation strategies highlights a consistent approach: transforming the entire customer experience and employer value proposition around the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Economic Impact and Real Value for Staff

Last week, Steak n Shake announced the acquisition of $10 million in bitcoin for its corporate treasury, further solidifying its commitment to cryptocurrencies. This accumulation of crypto assets at the corporate level accompanies the employee rewards program, creating an ecosystem where both the company and staff participate in the potential appreciation of bitcoin.

For hourly workers, the program offers an exposure opportunity to bitcoin without direct access costs. However, the long vesting period involves a calculated risk: only by remaining with Steak n Shake for a full two years can employees realize the accumulated gains. It’s a proposal that requires trust in both the company and the future trajectory of the cryptocurrency.

At the current price of $78.63K per bitcoin, the nominal value of the bonus remains modest in absolute terms but offers an additional benefit beyond traditional compensation, with the intrinsic growth potential of blockchain technology.