Steak 'n Shake cancels plans to accept Ether after backlash from the Bitcoin community

The fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake has reversed its decision to experiment with accepting payments in Ether after facing a strong backlash from the Bitcoin community.

Previously, Steak ‘n Shake conducted a poll on X (Twitter) asking 468,800 followers whether they should accept Ether, committing to "adhere to the voting results". Although 53% of the total 48,815 votes chose "Agree", the poll was stopped after just four hours due to negative reactions.

"The survey has been paused. Our loyalty belongs to Bitcoiners. You have spoken," Steak 'n Shake announced on X.

Since May 16, this chain has accepted payments in Bitcoin at all legally permitted stores, including the USA, France, Monaco, and Spain. In the third quarter, sales at stores in the same system increased by 15% compared to the same period, partly due to support from the Bitcoin community.

However, many followers of the "pure Bitcoin" ideology have criticized Steak 'n Shake's consideration of expanding into Ether. Adam Simecka – a developer of the Bitcoin self-custody wallet Manna – stated: "If you accept ETH, I will never eat at your restaurant again."

Many other Bitcoiners believe that simply conducting a survey has harmed the brand's reputation.

Notably, Vitalik Buterin – co-founder of Ethereum – spoke out in defense of Steak 'n Shake, arguing that businesses that accept crypto should "stick with their tribe" rather than trying to please everyone.

"We need people who are steadfast, believe in their ideals, and see their work as a dedication out of love for the community," Buterin wrote.

Steak 'n Shake also announced that it will launch the "Bitcoin Steakburger" on October 16 to celebrate the acceptance of payments in Bitcoin.