Steak ’n Shake customer rages over new 'facial' payment method at 300 locations (2024)

FAQs

Is Steak and Shake in financial trouble? ›

Steak n Shake had come days from filing for bankruptcy protection in 2021 until Biglari Holdings paid off its debt at the last minute. The brand in the years since has undertaken a complex conversion from a full-service, family-dining chain with a drive-thru into a counter-service, burger-centric fast-food brand.

Steak n Shake's lenders have filed a federal lawsuit against the company, saying the Indianapolis-based burger chain still owes more than $8.5 million in fees and interest on a $220 million loan the company had said it paid off in February.

In the past, preparing food has taken too long and paying wait staff for table service was too expensive, according to Biglari's letter. "Simply put, the operation of dining rooms with table service was a money loser," he wrote.

Biglari said switching formats took Steak 'n Shake's breakeven point down by about 40 percent, “obviating our dependence on high unit sales to register a profit.” As of today, every company and franchise-partner unit has been converted to self-service.

What Experts Say. “Steak n' Shake uses fresh ingredients, but the menu options can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. For healthier options, stick to a basic burger and try a side salad instead of French fries for added fiber.

Biglari Holdings

The Steak N Shake Company

Pucks of fresh, never frozen beef are pressed down on a searing-hot griddle until they are impossible crispy and served on perfectly sized white buns.

In 2020, Steak 'n Shake owner-operators earned, on average, $161,000 in their first year. Some are on their way to earning over $300,000. Today, there are 100 owner-operators, and each one is a true American success story.

How many Steak 'n Shake restaurants are there in the United States? As of April, 2024, there are 387 Steak 'n Shake restaurants in the United States. These restaurants are located in 22 states and territories and 286 cities. The state with the most Steak 'n Shake locations is Florida, with 85 restaurants.

Normal, IL

Steak 'n Shake / Place founded

Did Steak n Shake get rid of the Cajun burger? ›

In November 2019, the restaurant chain Steak 'n Shake made a new and drastic change to their menu. They removed the Cajun Steakburger. The Cajun Steakburger was a fan favorite of many fast food enthusiasts, with it's simple yet satisfactory construction.

For over 85 years, the company's name has been symbolic of its heritage. The word “steak” stood for STEAKBURGER. The term “shake” stood for hand-dipped MILK SHAKES. Gus was determined to serve his customers the finest burgers and shakes in the business.

As the meat rests, the constricted muscle fibers begin to relax. The pressure on the juices is slowly released and they redistribute towards the edges of the meat. By letting the meat rest, you achieve an evenly moist and flavorful steak.

But the reality is that flipping a steak repeatedly during cooking—as often as every 30 seconds or so—will produce a crust that is just as good (provided you start with meat with a good, dry surface, as you always should), give you a more evenly cooked interior, and cook in about 30% less time to boot!

Restaurants use dry-aged meat

Prime beef is primarily served at restaurants, has abundant marbling, and is made from young beef cattle. The marbling makes Prime steaks flavorful and more tender than the leaner Choice and Select cuts that you find at the grocery store.

"We are embracing efficiency and transitioning the service model to empower our guests to place and pick up their own orders." The change became necessary because food preparation took too long under the old model and paying wait staff was too expensive, according to Biglari's letter.

Due to challenges with sustaining operations and also economic pressures Steak 'n Shake in Topeka has been permanently closed this week. After a lengthy tenure serving its renowned milkshakes and juicy steaks, the establishment has ceased operations, much to the dismay of its clients.