Steak ‘n Shake has quickly reversed its intention of accepting Ether (ETH) due to fervent objections from the Bitcoin community. The fast-food chain had conducted a poll among its 468,800 followers on X, asking if it should adopt Ether payments. Despite 53% of 48,815 votes in favor, the poll was suspended about four hours later after backlash.

“Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken,” the company stated on X.
(Translation: “Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken.”)

Steak n’ Shake started accepting Bitcoin as payment on May 16, in various locations including the US, France, Monaco, and Spain. In its recent quarterly results, the company noted a 15% increase in same-store sales year-on-year, partly credited to support from Bitcoin followers. Therefore, it was not surprising that many Bitcoiners took issue with the consideration of adding Ether as a payment option.

Adam Simecka, a Bitcoin wallet developer, expressed his discontent by stating, “I promise, if you accept ETH, I will never eat at your restaurant again”.
(Translation: “I promise, if you accept ETH, I will never eat at your restaurant again.”)

Another user, known as Colleen or The Bitcoin Gal, criticized the creation of the Ether poll, calling it disappointing, while Bitcoin developer Carman remarked that the poll tarnished the brand’s reputation.

This incident highlights ongoing tribalism within the cryptocurrency space, with many Bitcoin enthusiasts viewing it as the premier form of money. Michael Saylor famously remarked, “There is no second-best crypto asset, there’s a crypto asset and it’s called Bitcoin.”
(Translation: “There is no second-best crypto asset, there’s a crypto asset and it’s called Bitcoin.”)

Vitalik Buterin Commends Steak ‘n Shake’s Response

Interestingly, the fast-food chain’s change of heart received praise from Vitalik Buterin, a prominent figure in Ethereum, as he encouraged businesses adopting cryptocurrency to remain loyal to their respective crypto communities rather than striving for broader appeal.

“We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and their tribe and see their work as a labor of love to it.”
(Translation: “We need the stubborn ones who believe in their cause and their tribe and see their work as a labor of love to it.”)

Last week, Steak ‘n Shake also declared the launch of the “Bitcoin Steakburger” set for October 16, celebrating its Bitcoin adoption.