Steak ‘n Shake, a popular fast food chain, has swiftly abandoned plans to potentially accept Ether as a payment option after significant pushback from the Bitcoin community.
Backlash over ether poll
The controversy began when Steak ‘n Shake polled its 468,800 followers on X, asking if it should start accepting Ether.
The poll, which saw 53% of nearly 49,000 respondents vote in favor, was suspended within four hours. The company posted:
“Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken.”
Bitcoin payments drive sales
Steak ‘n Shake began accepting Bitcoin at all legally permitted locations—including the US, France, Monaco, and Spain—starting May 16.
The company credited Bitcoin users for a 15% year-over-year rise in same-store sales in the third quarter, underlining the support from the Bitcoin community.
Bitcoin community opposition
Many prominent Bitcoiners criticized the company for considering any expansion beyond Bitcoin payments. Adam Simecka, developer of the Bitcoin wallet Manna, stated:
“I promise, if you accept ETH, I will never eat at your restaurant again.”
Others, such as Bitcoin developer Carman, argued that the poll damaged the brand’s reputation.
Vitalik buterin responds
While most criticism came from Bitcoin supporters, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin praised the company’s tribal approach, saying:
“We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and their tribe and see their work as a labor of love to it.”
Steak ‘n Shake is also launching a “Bitcoin Steakburger” on October 16 to celebrate its Bitcoin adoption.
