By Orit Naomi, RTN staff writer – 7.17.2025
Cryptocurrency, once viewed as a speculative asset with limited real-world utility, is steadily gaining traction as a legitimate payment option in the restaurant industry. While still in the early stages of adoption, a growing number of operators are beginning to view crypto not merely as a novelty but as a strategic tool, offering benefits ranging from lower transaction fees to new avenues for customer engagement.
Recent data underscores this shift. As of 2025, more than 28 percent of adults in the United States—equivalent to approximately 65 million people—own cryptocurrency, according to a report from Triple-A. An additional 14 percent of non-holders say they plan to purchase crypto in the next 12 months. Globally, more than 500 million people hold digital assets, and usage of digital payment platforms—including those supporting cryptocurrency—is projected to grow by more than 80 percent between 2024 and 2026.
While consumer usage is still far from mainstream, the trajectory suggests growing relevance for restaurants, particularly those targeting younger, tech-forward demographics. The opportunity lies not just in capturing direct payments but also in leveraging blockchain-based technologies for loyalty, marketing, and operational improvements.
Several high-profile restaurant brands have begun to explore this space. Starbucks was an early adopter, partnering with the Bakkt platform to allow users to convert Bitcoin into U.S. dollars that can be loaded onto the Starbucks app. Though this system does not facilitate direct crypto payments, it lowers the barriers to use and serves as a bridge between digital assets and conventional spending.
This summer, Steak ’n Shake took a more direct approach by enabling Bitcoin payments across its U.S. locations. Guests can now pay by scanning QR codes linked to crypto wallets such as Coinbase or BitPay. The chain’s decision to accept crypto is part of a broader digital modernization effort aimed at appealing to younger consumers. According to company representatives, customers are also beginning to tip in crypto, and pilots are underway to explore blockchain-powered loyalty programs.
Other brands are engaging more selectively. Burger King has not adopted systemwide crypto payments, but franchisees in markets like Venezuela and Germany have tested the model. In the U.S., the company has launched crypto-themed campaigns in partnership with financial platforms, including limited-time gift card incentives. While these efforts remain experimental, they reflect growing interest in reaching crypto-aware consumers.
Subway’s decentralized franchise model has allowed individual operators to test crypto payments as early as 2013. In 2025, some European locations have expanded support through platforms such as GoCrypto, with franchisees layering on targeted loyalty incentives aimed at crypto users. These offers aim to drive traffic and reinforce engagement with a younger customer base.
KFC is revisiting the role of cryptocurrency through its digital innovation teams. Following its earlier 2018 promotion in Canada, the brand is now piloting token-based loyalty programs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Customers earn blockchain-based tokens through in-app engagement, which can be redeemed for rewards or exclusive experiences. Although crypto payments themselves are not being widely implemented, the underlying technology is being applied to enhance brand engagement.
Perhaps most notable is FAT Brands, parent of several major restaurant chains including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Round Table Pizza. In early 2025, FAT Brands became one of the first major franchisors to accept Bitcoin for royalty payments. This backend application of crypto is intended to reduce cross-border transaction costs and streamline cash flows, particularly for international franchisees. The company is also among those exploring crypto-enabled loyalty programs and NFT-based digital experiences, signaling broader ambitions in blockchain integration.
For restaurant operators, the appeal of cryptocurrency lies in several operational advantages. Payment processors such as BitPay, Strike, and Lavu allow merchants to accept crypto without assuming volatility risk, as funds are instantly converted into fiat. Transaction fees are typically lower than traditional credit card fees—around 1.5 percent compared to 2–3 percent. Settlement times are faster, and blockchain’s immutable ledger can simplify reconciliation and reduce accounting discrepancies.
While early adopters are seeing potential benefits, challenges remain. Volatility in digital asset values, limited consumer familiarity, and the need for staff training continue to slow broader adoption. Technical integration with existing POS systems can also present hurdles. For these reasons, many restaurants are beginning with lower-risk use cases, such as selling crypto-enabled gift cards or introducing QR code payment options.
The geographic landscape of adoption is uneven. In North America and Western Europe, crypto acceptance is highest among merchants. In contrast, Latin America and Africa have seen faster growth in peer-to-peer crypto usage, often driven by inflation and currency instability. The travel and tourism sector has also emerged as a related area of growth, with crypto-based bookings increasing by more than 30 percent year over year, pointing to a convergence of hospitality and blockchain-enabled payments.
Emerging trends suggest that crypto’s role in restaurants could expand beyond payments. Tokenized loyalty programs, blockchain-secured supply chains, NFT-based menu items, and branded debit cards are all being tested by various operators. These applications are not yet widespread, but they reflect a growing interest in integrating blockchain technologies to drive competitive advantage.
In the current environment, crypto adoption remains optional—but it is increasingly strategic. As consumer comfort grows and supporting infrastructure improves, restaurant operators may find that offering crypto payment options and blockchain-based loyalty features is a practical response to evolving customer expectations and a fast-changing digital economy.