Steak ’n Shake said it plans to launch a Bitcoin-based bonus program for hourly employees at company-operated locations, extending its use of Bitcoin to employee compensation.
In a post on X, the company said eligible hourly workers will receive a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 per hour worked beginning March 1st. The bonus will vest over a two-year period.
Starting March 1, Steak n Shake will give all hourly employees at its company-operated restaurants a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked.
Employees will be able to collect their Bitcoin pay after a two-year vesting period. Thank you, @Fold_app, for the assist.
We…— Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) January 20, 2026
At that rate, a full-time employee working 40 hours per week would earn approximately $8.40 in Bitcoin per week, or about $437 annually based on a 52-week schedule.
The program is being implemented in partnership with Fold, which provides Bitcoin rewards and payments services.
The announcement follows broader interest in Bitcoin and digital assets among younger demographics.
Workforce data shows that younger age groups represent a substantial portion of restaurant employment.
According to an April 2025 U.S. employee demographics brief from the National Restaurant Association, approximately 40% of restaurant and foodservice workers are under 25 years old, while about 60% are under 35.
Steak ’n Shake has accepted Bitcoin payments across its restaurant network since May 2025. The company has previously stated that the initiative coincided with stronger operating results.
On Friday, the company disclosed that it holds approximately $10 million in Bitcoin and said same-store sales have “risen dramatically” since Bitcoin payments were introduced.
It did not specify whether the reported holdings resulted from price appreciation, customer payments, or additional purchases.
Steak ’n Shake is among a growing number of companies that have moved to support Bitcoin payments.
In November, Block Inc. rolled out Bitcoin payments through its Square point-of-sale system.
The service allows merchants to accept Bitcoin via the Lightning Network and either retain Bitcoin or convert it to fiat currency at checkout, according to CEO Jack Dorsey.
Other payment providers have introduced similar offerings. In July, PayPal said it would allow merchants to accept Bitcoin and digital assets through its Pay with Crypto checkout feature, with transactions converted into fiat currency or stablecoins at the point of sale.
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