Steak ‘n Shake Launches Bitcoin Bonus Program for Hourly Restaurant Workers

• Steak ‘n Shake will credit hourly staff $0.21 per hour in Bitcoin, with access after a two-year vesting period.
• The program applies only to company-operated locations and begins in March 2025.
• A regulated crypto partner will manage custody, payroll conversion, and employee access tools.

Steak ‘n Shake is set to reward hourly employees with a Bitcoin bonus starting March 2025. Workers earn $0.21 per hour in BTC, accessible after a two-year vesting period, marking one of the first crypto pay programs in fast food.

Structured Bitcoin Compensation for Hourly Workers

Steak ‘n Shake confirmed the Bitcoin bonus through an official post on X in mid-February. The company stated that hourly employees will earn $0.21 in Bitcoin per hour worked.

Access becomes available only after a two-year vesting period. The update positioned the initiative as an uncommon move within fast food. The post also noted the program’s start date of March 1.

Company briefings clarified that the Bitcoin bonus accrues independently from wages. The dollar amount converts to Bitcoin during each pay cycle. Employees receive the Bitcoin only after completing the vesting period.

Starting March 1, Steak n Shake will give all hourly employees at its company-operated restaurants a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked. 
 
Employees will be able to collect their Bitcoin pay after a two-year vesting period. Thank you, @Fold_app, for the assist.
 
We…

— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) January 20, 2026

Retention Strategy and Industry Context

Industry analysts described the Steak ‘n Shake Bitcoin bonus as a retention-focused experiment. The two-year vesting requirement encourages longer tenure without replacing cash wages.

The bonus structure maintains predictable payroll accounting. Unlike technology firms offering crypto salary options, this program targets part-time hourly workers.

That distinction sets it apart from earlier adoption patterns. Competitors have reportedly begun internal reviews following the announcement.

Regulation, Custody, and Employee Access

Steak ‘n Shake confirmed collaboration with a regulated cryptocurrency custodian. The partner will handle wallet creation, secure storage, and payroll-linked Bitcoin purchases.

Insurance coverage and multi-signature protections were also confirmed. The Internal Revenue Service treats Bitcoin as property for tax purposes.

Taxable events occur when vested assets become accessible. Steak ‘n Shake will provide the required documentation once employees receive their Bitcoin.

Employees will track balances through a simplified mobile application. Mandatory training will explain basic security practices and account access.

The company stated that technical expertise will not be required for participation. The Steak ‘n Shake Bitcoin bonus places cryptocurrency within traditional hourly employment.

The initiative combines structured vesting, regulated custody, and clear tax treatment. Results will become measurable after the first vesting cycles are complete.