U.S. burger chain Steak 'n Shake is rolling out a Bitcoin-based incentive for its hourly employees, a move that quickly drew scorn on social media. Starting March 1, workers at company-operated restaurants will earn $0.21 worth of Bitcoin for each hour worked, with the payouts vesting after two years. The company pitched the plan as a loyalty reward, but critics dismissed it as a gimmick that fails to address stagnant wages.
Vesting period ignites backlash amid high turnover
A full-time employee working 40 hours a week could accumulate roughly $875 in Bitcoin over two years—if they stay that long. Given the notoriously high turnover rate in fast food, many workers are unlikely to ever see the bonus. "Big L," one X user wrote. "Woulda been better to just give them a packet of ramen for every hour." The chain defended the policy, stating it wants to "take care of our employees," but the internet wasn't buying it.
Bitcoin strategy extends beyond payroll
The bonus program is part of a broader crypto embrace. Steak 'n Shake has partnered with Fold, a Bitcoin-focused fintech app, to administer the incentive. It also holds $10 million worth of Bitcoin on its balance sheet and has accepted Bitcoin payments globally via the Lightning Network since 2025, claiming nearly 50% lower transaction fees compared to credit cards. All Bitcoin sales are funnelled into a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve," underscoring management's conviction that digital assets can boost margins. Whether this bet pays off, the latest perk has clearly left employees and critics unimpressed.