Key Takeaways:
- Steak ‘n Shake canceled plans to accept Ether after backlash from the Bitcoin community, reaffirming its support for Bitcoin payments.
- The company credited Bitcoin adoption with a 15% sales boost and will launch a “Bitcoin Steakburger” to celebrate.
- The controversy underscores deep divides between Bitcoin and Ethereum supporters, with Vitalik Buterin urging businesses to stay true to their communities.
Steak ‘n Shake abruptly canceled plans to accept Ether (ETH) payments after backlash from the Bitcoin community.
The fast-food chain had launched a poll on X asking its 468,800 followers whether it should start taking ETH, promising to “abide by the results.”
Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken. Who even allowed this? I'm back at my desk.
— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) October 12, 2025
– Steaktoshi https://t.co/4RkASUVa8L
Although 53% of 48,815 voters said “Yes,” the company suspended the poll within four hours, declaring, “Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners.”
Steak ‘n Shake began accepting Bitcoin payments on May 16 across its locations in the U.S., France, Monaco, and Spain, and reported a 15% year-over-year increase in same-store sales for the third quarter – crediting Bitcoin supporters for part of that growth.
Many Bitcoin advocates criticized the company for even considering Ethereum, warning it risked losing credibility.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin defended Steak ‘n Shake’s intent, saying companies should align with specific crypto communities rather than appealing broadly.
This is a good decision and I respect it.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) October 12, 2025
Not every business should be trying to appeal to many customers as possible in the name of "not being maximalist". We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and their tribe and see their work as a labor of love to it. https://t.co/3GJVUGlpJi
The controversy underscores persistent tribalism within the crypto space, where many Bitcoin maximalists reject other digital assets.
To reaffirm its stance, the company announced a “Bitcoin Steakburger” launch on October 16 to celebrate its Bitcoin payment adoption.
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