Steak ‘n Shake, the Indianapolis-based fast food chain, has announced a new initiative that it describes as a “Bitcoin bonus” for its hourly wage employees. According to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the company will offer **$0.21 in Bitcoin** for every hour worked at corporate locations. The announcement aims to underscore the company’s commitment to its workforce, stating, “We take care of our employees; they, in turn, take care of customers; and the results take care of themselves.”
While the concept of a bonus tied to cryptocurrency is unprecedented in the fast food industry, it comes with a significant caveat. Employees will need to remain with the company for a **two-year vesting period** before they can access their earned Bitcoin. This structure is common in corporate settings, particularly with stock options and retirement benefits, but it is unusual for hourly wage workers, typically found in entry-level positions such as fry cooks.
The financial implications of this Bitcoin bonus could raise eyebrows among employees. Assuming an average of **2,080 working hours** in a year, this bonus would amount to approximately **$873.60** over two years, contingent on the value of Bitcoin remaining stable. This figure is before any potential fees that may be incurred when converting the cryptocurrency back into traditional currency.
It’s important to note that this bonus will not be available to workers at franchise locations. According to a report from **Tasting Table**, around **60 percent** of Steak ‘n Shake restaurants were franchises as of June 2025, meaning a significant portion of the workforce will be excluded from this initiative.
The timing of this announcement follows a revelation from Steak ‘n Shake that it holds **$10 million** worth of Bitcoin in its corporate reserves. This move towards cryptocurrency is part of a broader trend in the fast food sector, where companies are increasingly exploring digital currency options. Eight months prior, Steak ‘n Shake began accepting Bitcoin as payment, a decision that aligns with the company’s evolving business strategy.
Concerns have been raised regarding whether this Bitcoin bonus might serve as a substitute for traditional wage increases, particularly in light of rising living costs. Stakeholders have expressed interest in understanding if the company plans to adjust its compensation structure in line with inflation or provide standard bonuses in U.S. dollars.
As the fast food industry grapples with changing economic conditions and employee expectations, Steak ‘n Shake’s Bitcoin bonus adds a layer of complexity to the conversation about fair compensation and employee retention. Whether this innovative approach will resonate positively with workers remains to be seen, as the implications of cryptocurrency in everyday wages continue to unfold.
