Steak 'n Shake has announced it is removing all microwaves from its US restaurants as part of a drive to improve food quality. The chain, known for its steakburgers and milkshakes, said on X that every location should be microwave-free by April 15. 'Quality restaurants don't need microwaves,' the company stated, adding that it wants to use traditional cooking methods only.
The announcement surprised many customers who were unaware that microwaves were used in the first place. In responses to the post, which has garnered over 734,000 views, several asked what items were microwaved. One user questioned: 'Just curious, what exactly do you currently microwave in the process of making a steakburger, french fries and milkshakes?'
This move is one of several recent changes at the chain, which has seen its US footprint shrink from over 600 locations in 2018 to roughly 400 by late 2025. Last month, Steak 'n Shake announced it would give hourly employees a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked, accessible after a two-year vesting period. The company said: 'We take care of our employees; they, in turn, take care of customers; and the results take care of themselves.'
The chain has also modernised its operations, embracing a franchise-partner model with self-service kiosks while maintaining its retro theme. In August, Steak 'n Shake reaffirmed its commitment to heritage by criticising Cracker Barrel for changing its logo, stating: 'We will never market ourselves away from our past in a cheap effort to gain the approval of trend seekers.'
