Hamburger chain network purchases $10 million in Bitcoin for strategic BTC reserve

Source: PortaldoBitcoin Original Title: Hamburger Chain Purchases US$ 10 Million in Bitcoin for Strategic BTC Reserve Original Link: The Steak 'n Shake hamburger chain announced it purchased US$ 10 million in Bitcoin for its corporate treasury, marking the company’s first direct and public allocation of the cryptocurrency since it began accepting digital payments last year. The acquisition amounts to approximately 105 bitcoins at current prices and officially inaugurates what the company calls its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR).

The company stated it has created a “self-sustaining system,” in which sales growth at same stores directly funds the Bitcoin reserve. According to the chain, all payments made by customers in cryptocurrency are directed to this strategic reserve, without immediate conversion to cash, reinforcing the decision to keep the asset on the balance sheet.

This initiative is an evolution of the strategy adopted in May 2025, when Steak 'n Shake enabled Lightning Network payments at all U.S. locations. The move received public support from Jack Dorsey and, according to the company, brought significant operational gains. The chain reported nearly a 50% reduction in transaction fee costs compared to credit cards and an approximate 15% increase in same-store sales in the months following the system’s adoption.

On October 31, the company formalized its Bitcoin treasury policy and launched a promotional campaign in partnership with Fold Holdings. Customers received the equivalent of US$5 in Bitcoin via the Fold app when purchasing specific menu items, such as the so-called “Bitcoin Burger” or “Bitcoin Meal.” The campaign helped solidify the use of cryptocurrency as part of the brand’s consumer experience.

Founded 91 years ago, Steak 'n Shake belongs to Biglari Holdings, a group based in San Antonio led by Sardar Biglari. So far, the parent company has not disclosed whether Bitcoin will play a broader role in its corporate strategy beyond this specific restaurant chain initiative.

The approach of Steak 'n Shake differs from more aggressive models adopted by other companies, which resort to issuing shares and debt to expand their Bitcoin holdings. In the case of the restaurant chain, the reserve is mainly fueled by operational activity and the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment.

Data from Bitcoin Treasuries indicate that over 200 companies worldwide already hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Although the US$10 million position of Steak 'n Shake is still modest compared to the largest corporate holders, the move draws attention because it comes from a traditional food sector company and is directly linked to everyday use of the cryptocurrency in customer transactions.