Steak ‘n Shake Halts Ethereum Payment Poll, Reaffirms Bitcoin Commitment with Vitalik Buterin’s Support

Restaurant chain Steak ‘n Shake has abruptly terminated a social media poll investigating potential Ethereum payment integration following significant backlash from Bitcoin proponents. The company announced the suspension via an official statement: “Poll suspended. Our allegiance is with Bitcoiners. You have spoken. Who even allowed this? I’m back at my desk. — Steaktoshi.” This reversal comes shortly after the company’s initial exploration of Ethereum acceptance, marking a notable shift in their cryptocurrency strategy. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly endorsed the decision, adding weight to the restaurant chain’s pivot toward Bitcoin exclusivity. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between different cryptocurrency communities and demonstrates how corporate cryptocurrency adoption strategies can rapidly evolve based on community feedback. Industry observers note that while multi-crypto acceptance remains common among forward-thinking businesses, Steak ‘n Shake’s decisive alignment with Bitcoin reflects the enduring influence of Bitcoin maximalists in shaping payment adoption narratives. The episode underscores the complex dynamics between business innovation and community expectations in the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape.