American fast-food icon Steak 'n Shake announced today that starting March 1, 2026, hourly employees at company-owned restaurants will receive an additional $0.21 worth of Bitcoin for every hour worked. The bonus is separate from regular wages and will be distributed and custodied via the Bitcoin rewards app Fold. Employees must remain with the company for two consecutive years before they can withdraw or use the accumulated Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Per Hour: A Long-Term Retention Tool
Unlike instant pay raises, this program is designed as a long-term retention incentive. The company acknowledges the modest amount and the two-year lock-up period exposes workers to Bitcoin price volatility. However, if Bitcoin appreciates, the bonus could become a meaningful windfall and align employees with the company's Bitcoin-focused vision.
From a Route 66 Diner to a Century-Old Brand
Founded in 1934 by Gus Belt in Normal, Illinois, Steak 'n Shake began as a small gas station and chicken restaurant along Route 66. It later pivoted to burgers, branding its "Steakburger" made from freshly ground steak cuts, with the motto "In Sight, It Must Be Right." Now nearly 100 years old, the chain is known for its burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and shoestring fries.
Expanding Crypto Footprint: Payments, Holdings, and Now Employee Rewards
Steak 'n Shake has been steadily deepening its crypto involvement. In May 2025, it started accepting Bitcoin payments at all U.S. locations without converting to fiat immediately. By October 2025, it had established a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve." Earlier this year, the company bought roughly 105 BTC (worth about $10 million) and added it to its balance sheet. The new employee bonus plan further cements its "Bitcoin-first" approach.