The Moment Everything Changed
Picture this: You’re ordering a classic steak burger and shake at Steak ‘n Shake, and when it’s time to pay, you pull out your phone and scan a QR code to pay with Bitcoin, a part of the emerging steak n shake crypto trend. No cash, no credit card swipe, no “sorry, our card reader is down” — just a simple, instant crypto payment.
As of May 2025, this isn’t science fiction. It’s Tuesday afternoon at any of Steak ‘n Shake’s locations across America.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
When a 90-year-old restaurant chain decides to accept Bitcoin across all its US locations, that’s not a tech experiment — it’s a business strategy. And it’s happening because traditional businesses are discovering what crypto-savvy companies have known for years: digital payments aren’t just the future, they’re the present.
Steak ‘n Shake joins an impressive roster of household names that have made the crypto leap:
The integration of steak n shake crypto is a game-changer in how we view dining experiences in the digital age.
- AMC Theatres (movie tickets with Bitcoin)
- AT&T (phone bills paid in crypto)
- Microsoft (gaming and cloud services)
- Ferrari (luxury cars, expanding from US to Europe)
Notice a pattern? These aren’t crypto companies. They’re traditional businesses serving everyday customers.
The “Traditional Business” Crypto Playbook
Step 1: Start Where Your Customers Are
Steak ‘n Shake didn’t wake up one day and decide to become a cryptocurrency company. They looked at their customer base and saw:
- Younger demographics already using crypto
- Tech-savvy customers expecting modern payment options
- International visitors who might prefer crypto over foreign exchange hassles
The lesson? Meet your customers where they are, not where you think they should be.
Step 2: Keep It Simple for Everyone
Here’s what makes Steak ‘n Shake’s approach brilliant: the crypto payment option doesn’t complicate anything for customers who prefer traditional payments. Cash still works. Credit cards still work. Crypto is just another option — like choosing between Coke and Pepsi.
Rick’s Take: This is exactly how businesses should approach crypto adoption. It’s not about replacing everything overnight; it’s about adding options that make sense.
Step 3: Use Proven Technology
Steak ‘n Shake didn’t build their own blockchain or create a proprietary cryptocurrency. They partnered with established payment processors that handle all the technical complexity. The restaurant focuses on making great food; the payment processor handles the crypto conversion.
Smart business owners don’t try to become crypto experts — they leverage crypto expertise.
What This Means for Small Business Owners
The “Permission Slip” Effect
When major brands like Steak ‘n Shake, AMC, and Ferrari accept crypto, they’re essentially giving permission to smaller businesses to do the same. Customers who might have been skeptical about crypto payments at “Joe’s Local Diner” are more comfortable when they see established brands leading the way.
This creates a credibility cascade that benefits all businesses considering crypto adoption.
The Competitive Differentiation Opportunity
Right now, accepting crypto payments still makes you stand out. When a customer has two similar restaurants to choose from, and one accepts their preferred payment method while the other doesn’t, the choice is easy.
But this window won’t stay open forever. As more businesses adopt crypto payments, not accepting them will eventually become the differentiator — and not in a good way.
The Operational Reality Check
Let’s address the elephant in the room: “But my business isn’t like Steak ‘n Shake!”
You’re right. Your business probably doesn’t have:
- Corporate IT departments
- Million-dollar technology budgets
- Dedicated payment processing teams
But here’s what you do have that Steak ‘n Shake also has:
- Customers who want convenient payment options
- Operating costs you’d like to reduce
- Competition you need to differentiate from
The technology that enables crypto payments has become so accessible that the size of your business matters less than your willingness to adapt.
The Ripple Effect Across Industries
Restaurants and Food Service
If a traditional burger chain can do it, so can:
- Food trucks (even more mobile-payment focused)
- Local restaurants (especially those serving younger demographics)
- Coffee shops (quick transactions, tech-savvy customers)
- Catering services (especially for corporate events)
Retail and Services
The same logic applies to:
- Boutique shops targeting millennial and Gen Z customers
- Service providers (contractors, consultants, freelancers)
- Online stores (global reach with crypto payments)
- Event venues (concerts, conferences, weddings)
The B2B Opportunity
Don’t overlook business-to-business applications:
- Freelancers billing clients internationally
- Suppliers offering crypto payment discounts
- Professional services targeting crypto companies
- Cross-border business transactions
Learning from the Leaders
What Ferrari Teaches Us About Premium Positioning
Ferrari’s expansion of crypto payments from the US to Europe shows how luxury brands use crypto acceptance as a premium service differentiator. For high-value transactions, crypto can actually be more convenient than traditional banking, especially for international customers.
Business lesson: Crypto payments aren’t just about saving money — they can enhance your brand’s innovation image.
What AMC Shows Us About Customer Experience
AMC’s crypto payment integration focuses on seamless user experience. Customers don’t need to understand blockchain technology; they just need to know they can pay the way they prefer.
Business lesson: Make crypto payments feel normal, not revolutionary.
Practical Steps for Traditional Businesses
The “Steak ‘n Shake Strategy” for Small Business
- Start with one location or service (if you have multiple)
- Choose established payment processors (don’t try to build your own)
- Focus on stablecoins first (less price volatility)
- Train staff on basics (they don’t need to be crypto experts)
- Market it as a convenience feature, not a crypto revolution
Risk Management for Traditional Businesses
- Use instant conversion to avoid holding volatile cryptocurrencies
- Start with small transaction limits while you learn the system
- Maintain traditional payment options (never force crypto-only)
- Work with reputable processors that handle compliance issues
Timeline Expectations
- Week 1-2: Research and select payment processor
- Week 3-4: Integration and testing
- Month 2: Staff training and soft launch
- Month 3: Full implementation and marketing
The Future Is Already Here
When a 90-year-old burger chain starts accepting Bitcoin, it’s not because they’re trying to be trendy. It’s because they recognize that payment preferences are evolving, and businesses that evolve with them will have an advantage.
The question every traditional business owner should ask isn’t “Why would I accept crypto?” but rather “Why wouldn’t I give my customers another convenient way to pay?”
Rick’s Bottom Line
I’ve made plenty of mistakes in crypto over the years — from falling for scams to losing money on failed investments. But here’s what I’ve learned: the real value of cryptocurrency isn’t in speculation or getting rich quick. It’s in solving real business problems like high transaction fees, slow international payments, and limited payment options.
Steak ‘n Shake gets it. Ferrari gets it. AMC gets it.
The question is: when will you get it?
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Major traditional brands are adopting crypto payments (not just tech companies)
- Crypto payments are becoming a competitive differentiator
- Implementation can be simple with the right payment processors
- Start small, think big, move fast
- Focus on customer convenience, not crypto evangelism
Ready to follow Steak ‘n Shake’s lead? The Crypto Strategy Group helps traditional businesses implement crypto payment solutions safely and effectively. Let’s discuss how your business can benefit from the payment revolution.
