Steak 'n Shake's Microwave Removal Sparks Customer Confusion and Questions
Steak 'n Shake's recent announcement about eliminating microwaves from its restaurants has caused significant confusion among its fanbase, with many customers expressing surprise that the chain relied on such appliances in the first place. The restaurant, renowned for its steak burgers, milkshakes, and beef tallow fries, shared this update on Thursday via a social media post that quickly garnered widespread attention.
Announcement and Customer Reactions
In a statement posted on X, Steak 'n Shake declared, "Steak n Shake is removing all microwaves from its restaurants. We expect every unit to be microwave-free by April 15." The brand emphasized that "Quality restaurants don't need microwaves" and framed this as part of a journey to improve food quality by using only traditional cooking methods, urging customers to "Eat Real Food."
The post, which amassed over 734,000 views, prompted a flurry of responses from puzzled patrons. One customer inquired, "What specific food items did/does Steak 'n Shake prepare in a microwave?" while another questioned, "Just curious, what exactly do you currently microwave in the process of making a steakburger, french fries and milkshakes?" A third commenter noted sarcastically, "So you are saying that for ALL THESE YEARS... you have NOT been a quality restaurant. Interesting..." highlighting the irony in the announcement.
Broader Strategic Changes
The removal of microwaves is just one of several recent initiatives by Steak 'n Shake. Last month, the company announced it would offer certain employees a bonus in the form of Bitcoin. Starting March 1, all hourly employees at company-operated restaurants will receive a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked, as stated in another X post.
This bonus, supported by the Bitcoin-focused Fold app, comes with a two-year vesting period, meaning employees must stay with the company for at least that duration before accessing, transferring, or selling the accumulated Bitcoin. This structure mirrors stock-style incentives and aligns with the company's philosophy of taking care of employees to ensure customer satisfaction.
Operational Modernization and Heritage Commitment
Amid a shrinking U.S. footprint, with locations dropping from over 600 in 2018 to roughly 400 by late 2025, Steak 'n Shake has been modernizing its operations. The chain has embraced a franchise-partner, quick-service model featuring self-kiosk stores while maintaining its signature retro theme.
In August, the company reaffirmed its commitment to heritage by criticizing Cracker Barrel for retracting an updated logo, which some supporters saw as erasing the chain's past. Steak 'n Shake asserted on X, "Heritage is what got Cracker Barrel this far, and now the CEO wants to just scrape it all away. At Steak n Shake, we take pride in our history, our families, and American values. All are welcome. We will never market ourselves away from our past in a cheap effort to gain the approval of trend seekers."
As Steak 'n Shake moves forward with these changes, customers remain intrigued by the microwave removal, sparking ongoing discussions about food quality and traditional cooking methods in the fast-food industry.
