Steak ‘n Shake Goes Loco in El Salvador! 🤪

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One gathers that the American penchant for burger establishments, and now, inexplicably, digital currency, knows no bounds. The latest beneficiary of this bizarre enthusiasm is, it seems, El Salvador.

A Slice of Americana – and Bitcoin – in Paradise Lost

The Situation

Steak ‘n Shake, that pillar of wholesome American dining (one suspects the pillars are largely structural, and not moral), has announced intentions to plant its flag-or rather, its drive-thru-in El Salvador. This, naturally, isn’t merely about purveying reasonably priced steaks; it’s about embracing that fascinating, and increasingly ubiquitous, digital phantom, Bitcoin. Truly, the modern age.

Mr. Dan Edwards, COO of Steak ‘n Shake-a title which sounds suspiciously like a character in a P.G. Wodehouse novel-apparently declared at some ‘Bitcoin Historico’ event (the very name sends a shudder down one’s spine) that El Salvador was, and I quote, a “bitcoiner country.” As if a nation can be defined by its financial eccentricities. 🙄 One imagines he said this with a perfectly straight face.

Edwards observed:

“El Salvador is a country that is innovating and leading the way, and we greatly respect what President Bukele is doing here. This is Bitcoin Country, and we want our first restaurant in Latin America to be in El Salvador.”

A most patriotic sentiment, one feels. It seems the company intends to use El Salvador as a sort of launching pad-a flimsy one, perhaps-for further ventures into the Latin American market. “We want our first flag to be planted,” said Edwards, as if claiming territory for a particularly peculiar empire. 🚩

Having dabbled in accepting Bitcoin payments (a gesture of defiance against… well, against common sense, presumably) and establishing a ‘Strategic Bitcoin Reserve’ – a modern-day equivalent of hoarding gold, but far less tangible – Steak ‘n Shake has now established itself as an innovator. Or, at least, a follower of fashion.

The Point, If Any

Apparently, President Bukele’s unwavering faith in Bitcoin is proving surprisingly alluring to companies seeking…what, exactly? A captive audience of digital currency enthusiasts? One suspects it’s simply a bit of publicity, really. Just as Tether is relocating there, naturally. One does so hope they pack sufficient insect repellent.

The Outlook

Should Steak ‘n Shake flourish in El Salvador, we may expect a proliferation of other, equally bewildered, enterprises to follow suit. Jobs, welfare, and the dubious benefits of decentralised finance are, of course, promised. Meanwhile, one can only brace for the inevitable culture clash. 🤦‍♀️

Frequently Asked Questions (A Waste of Perfectly Good Ink)

  • What, pray tell, has Steak ‘n Shake announced?
    Steak ‘n Shake intends to inflict its charms upon El Salvador, becoming the first Latin American outpost of this distinctly American institution, naturally accepting Bitcoin as payment.

  • Why El Salvador?
    Apparently, Mr. Edwards approves of President Bukele and his enthusiasm for Bitcoin. It’s always nice to have a sympathetic ear, particularly when one is trying to sell burgers.

  • What has Steak ‘n Shake done regarding Bitcoin?
    They’ve started accepting it, and they’ve created a ‘Strategic Reserve.’ One imagines it’s all terribly secure.

  • Is this significant?
    Perhaps. It is, at any rate, rather odd.

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2025-11-16 14:59