Steak ‘n Shake Reverses ETH Payment Plan After Backlash From Bitcoiners

Fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake quickly reversed its plan to accept Ether (ETH) payments after a heated backlash from the Bitcoin community. The company had launched a social media poll to gauge interest but ended it early following strong criticism from Bitcoin supporters.

• Steak ‘n Shake launched a poll asking if it should accept Ether payments.
• The poll saw 53% support before being suspended after backlash.
• The company reaffirmed loyalty to Bitcoin and its community.
• Bitcoiners accused the brand of betraying Bitcoin maximalism.
• Vitalik Buterin later defended the decision to stick with one crypto tribe.
• Steak ‘n Shake will launch a “Bitcoin Steakburger” on Oct. 16.

Steak ‘n Shake, the American fast-food chain known for embracing Bitcoin payments, briefly considered expanding to Ether (ETH) — but quickly reversed course after Bitcoiners expressed outrage.

On Saturday, the brand asked its 468,800 followers on X (formerly Twitter) whether it should start accepting Ether as payment, promising to “abide by the results.” The poll attracted nearly 49,000 votes, with 53% in favor of accepting ETH. However, just four hours later, Steak ‘n Shake abruptly suspended the poll and deleted the idea altogether.

In a follow-up post, the company wrote: “Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken.”

The move highlighted the growing tribalism in crypto communities. Steak ‘n Shake has accepted Bitcoin (BTC) payments since May 16, across regions including the United States, France, Monaco, and Spain, where permitted by law. The chain credited part of its 15% year-on-year sales increase in Q3 to Bitcoin enthusiasts supporting the brand.

Still, many Bitcoiners saw the ETH poll as a betrayal. Prominent developer Adam Simecka, creator of the Manna Bitcoin wallet, said, “If you accept ETH, I will never eat at your restaurant again.” Another user, Colleen (“The Bitcoin Gal”), called the poll “disappointing,” while others argued it damaged the brand’s reputation among Bitcoin purists.

Bitcoiners often maintain that Bitcoin is the only true crypto asset, a stance reinforced by Michael Saylor’s famous quote: “There is no second-best crypto asset.” For many, Steak ‘n Shake’s consideration of Ether was seen as flirting with the enemy.

Interestingly, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin sided with the company’s decision to withdraw. “We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and their tribe and see their work as a labor of love to it,” he said, suggesting that brands should embrace identity-driven crypto loyalty rather than trying to please everyone.

Despite the brief controversy, Steak ‘n Shake is doubling down on its Bitcoin commitment. The company recently announced it will launch a “Bitcoin Steakburger” on October 16, celebrating its integration of Bitcoin payments and reinforcing its stance as a pro-Bitcoin brand.

Final Thought

The Steak ‘n Shake episode reveals just how deep crypto tribalism runs — and how even a simple social media poll can spark cultural tension in the digital currency world. For now, the burger chain’s loyalty remains firmly with Bitcoin, turning backlash into a renewed marketing opportunity to celebrate its BTC-first identity.