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Steak ‘n Shake has abandoned its plans to accept Ether (ETH) payments following criticism from Bitcoin supporters, underscoring the persistent divisions within the crypto community.
Key Takeaways:
- Steak ‘n Shake revoked its Ether payment proposal after receiving backlash from Bitcoin advocates.
- The fast-food chain’s commitment to Bitcoin follows a 15% increase in sales since it began accepting BTC payments.
- Vitalik Buterin suggested that crypto enterprises should align with one community rather than attempting to please everyone.
The 90-year-old American fast-food chain, which started accepting Bitcoin in May, conducted a poll on X asking its 468,800 followers whether it should broaden its crypto payment options to include Ether.
Steak ‘n Shake Halts Ether Poll, Affirms Loyalty to Bitcoin Supporters
The poll attracted nearly 49,000 votes, with 53% in favor. However, just four hours later, the company unexpectedly suspended the voting, reaffirming its loyalty to Bitcoin supporters.
“Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken,” Steak ‘n Shake tweeted, indicating a withdrawal from the proposal.
The chain’s connection with Bitcoin supporters has proven profitable. Since the introduction of BTC payments in the U.S., France, Monaco, and Spain, Steak ‘n Shake reported a 15% year-over-year rise in same-store sales during the third quarter.
Executives attributed the growth to the backing of Bitcoin supporters, which may clarify the brand’s cautious reaction to criticism.
Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken. Who even allowed this? I’m back at my desk.
– Steaktoshi https://t.co/4RkASUVa8L— Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) October 12, 2025
Notable Bitcoin proponents quickly criticized the ETH poll. Adam Simecka, creator of the self-custody wallet Manna, pledged never to eat at the restaurant again if it accepted Ether.
“The fact that you even created the ETH poll is disappointing,” remarked influencer Colleen, known as The Bitcoin Gal. Developer Carman stated that the attempt had already hurt the company’s standing among Bitcoin loyalists.
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This incident highlights how deeply rooted crypto tribalism continues to be. Bitcoin purists maintain that BTC is the only authentic form of sound digital currency — resonating with Michael Saylor’s well-known assertion, “There is no second-best crypto asset.”
They have credibility in my eyes due to Bitcoin and tallow.
— Ben Justman
(@BenJustman) October 11, 2025
Interestingly, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin presented a more nuanced perspective, indicating that businesses adopting crypto should focus on one community rather than trying to cater to all.
“We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and their tribe,” he expressed.
Despite the uproar, Steak ‘n Shake seems to be reinforcing its Bitcoin identity. The company has announced plans to introduce a “Bitcoin Steakburger” on October 16 to commemorate its embrace of BTC.
Payment Companies Expand into Crypto
In May, crypto payments platform Mesh launched its Apple Pay integration, enabling merchants affiliated with Mesh to accept crypto payments through Apple Pay.
Mesh’s collaboration with Apple Pay emerged as payment companies continue to venture into digital assets.
In April, global payment giant Stripe announced it is in the process of developing a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin aimed at businesses operating outside of the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe.
This announcement followed Stripe’s regulatory approval to acquire Bridge, a stablecoin payments network designed to compete with conventional banking systems and SWIFT-based transfers.
Earlier this year, Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO and vocal Bitcoin supporter, publicly encouraged Signal Messenger to integrate Bitcoin for peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.
Dorsey’s appeal was echoed by David Marcus, former president of PayPal and current CEO of Lightspark, who remarked that “all non-transactional apps should connect to Bitcoin.”
The post Fast Food Chain Steak ‘n Shake Halts Ether Payment Plan After Bitcoin Fans Push Back appeared first on Cryptonews.
