Steak 'n Shake#History

{{Infobox company

| name = Steak 'n Shake Operations, Inc.

| logo = Steak 'n Shake logo.svg

| logo_caption = Logo since 2011

| image =

| image_caption =

| trade_name = Steak 'n Shake

| type = Subsidiary

| traded_as =

| industry = Food

| foundation = {{Start date and age|1934|2}}
Normal, Illinois, U.S.

| founder = Augustus Hamilton "Gus" Belt{{cite news |title=Stake n Shake President Dies |work=The Daily Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois) |issue=page 3 |date=21 August 1954}}

| defunct =

| location_city = Indianapolis, Indiana

| location_country = United States

| locations =

| area_served = United States
France
Spain (Ibiza)
Palestine

| key_people = {{Ublist||Sardar Biglari (Chairman and CEO)}}

Phillip Cooley

| products = Steakburgers, milk shakes

| production =

| services = Restaurants

| revenue =

| operating_income =

| net_income =

| aum =

| assets =

| equity =

| owner =

| num_employees = 20,732{{cite web |url=http://www.biglariholdings.com/financials/2017/Reports/Biglari%20Holdings%20Annual%20Report%202017.pdf |title=Annual report |date=2020 |website=www.biglariholdings.com |access-date=August 26, 2020}}

| parent = Biglari Holdings

| homepage = {{url|steaknshake.com}}

}}

Steak 'n Shake Operations, Inc., doing business as Steak 'n Shake, is an American fast food chain concentrated primarily in the Midwestern United States with locations also in the South, Mid-Atlantic, Western United States, France, Ibiza, Spain and Palestine. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Biglari Holdings.{{Cite web|url=http://www.biglariholdings.com/|title=BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC.|website=www.biglariholdings.com}} {{As of|2018}}, 628 Steak 'n Shake restaurants were in operation; of those 414 were corporate-owned, and 214 franchised. The company has since attempted to convert to a fully franchised model.{{cite web |url=http://www.biglariholdings.com/financials/2018/Reports/Biglari%20Holdings%20Form%2010-Q%203rd%20quarter%202018.pdf#zoom=100 |title=Annual report |date=2018 |website=www.biglariholdings.com |format=PDF|access-date=August 26, 2020}}

Restaurant locations have drive-thru, and indoors fast-food dining experience. In 2021, the company had 536 locations, but the number had dropped to 493 by March 31, 2023, according to Biglari Holdings; not all of those were in operation at that time.{{cite web |url=https://www.eatthis.com/steak-n-shake-closing-locations/|title=Beloved Burger Chain Steak 'n Shake Continues Its Closing Spree|date=May 9, 2023|work=Eat This|access-date=January 22, 2024|quote= In 2021 it teetered on the edge of bankruptcy before parent company Biglari Holdings managed to pay off a whopping $153 million in debt.}} The company has shifted away from full-service restaurants toward a drive-thru model and kiosk service.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-10 |title=Steak 'n Shake touted beef tallow fries to MAGA. Early supporters question chain's process |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/steak-n-shake-touted-beef-194907981.html |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/steak-n-shake-closed-another-30-restaurants-last-year|title=Steak n Shake closed another 30 restaurants last year|date=February 27, 2023|work=Restaurant Business|access-date=January 22, 2024|quote=It was the fourth straight year in which the chain closed more restaurants than it opened, a period in which it shrunk its unit count by 19%.}}

The menu features primarily burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes; other entrees, side items, and drinks are also available. The corporation's slogan, "Famous for Steakburgers", refers to its most prominent food item, the Steakburger. The "steak" in the restaurant name comes from the menu item.

History

A. H. "Gus" Belt (born in Morrisonville, Illinois) founded Steak 'n Shake in Normal, Illinois, in February 1934, after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. He converted the combination gas station and chicken restaurant that he owned (Shell's Chicken) into a hamburger stand.{{cite web |url=http://www.steaknshake.com/history.asp |title=History |publisher=The Steak 'n Shake Company |access-date=January 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801225201/http://www.steaknshake.com/history.asp |archive-date=August 1, 2008 |author= |date=}}

Steak 'n Shake's slogan, "In Sight, It Must Be Right", originally referred to Belt's practice of wheeling a barrel of T-bone, sirloin, and round steaks into the public area of his restaurant, then grinding them into burgers in front of his customers—it was intended to reassure customers of the product's wholesomeness as at the time, ground beef was still viewed with skepticism by the general public, based on the likelihood of its having impurities deliberately added to it.

It also assured Belt's customers of the veracity of his "Steakburger" claim. Later patrons were assured that Steakburgers were still made from these ingredients "at our own commissary" for shipment to the restaurants, where the open grill line remained "in sight" to customers.

File:Steak 'n Shake in Seattle.jpg from Steak 'n Shake restaurant]]

After having success, Belt purchased a chain of Goal Post restaurants throughout central Illinois, converting them to Steak 'n Shakes{{when|date=January 2020}} and added curb service.

The original building at the intersection of Main Street and West Virginia Avenue was damaged by a fire in the early 1960s but was repaired and its dining room expanded. In the late 1990s, Steak 'n Shake sold the building to the Monical's Pizza company.

=After Gus Belt=

Steak 'n Shake continued to expand throughout Illinois following Belt's death on August 20, 1954. Ownership passing through many hands, including Gus's wife Edith, who ran the chain until 1969; Longchamps, Inc., an East Coast steakhouse company that owned the chain from 1969{{cite news |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/133269264 |title=Longchamps to Buy 53% of Restaurant Concern |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=November 27, 1968 |page=15 |url-access=subscription |id={{ProQuest|133269264}} |access-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513083136/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/doc/133269264.html |url-status=live }} to 1971;{{cite news |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/133590424 |title=Longchamps Will Sell Steak 'n Shake Interest |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=September 7, 1971 |page=7 |author= |url-access=subscription |id={{ProQuest|133590424}} |access-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513083851/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/doc/133590424.html |url-status=live }} and Indianapolis-based Franklin Corporation, led by Robert Cronin, author of Selling Steakburgers: The Growth of a Corporate Culture. After the acquisition, Franklin moved Steak 'n Shake's headquarters from Normal, Illinois to Indianapolis.

In 1981, Steak 'n Shake and its parent company Franklin were acquired by E. W. Kelley and Associates;{{cite news |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/134512025 |title=Kelley & Partners Acquires Control of Franklin Corp. |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 30, 1981 |page=41 |author= |url-access=subscription |id={{ProQuest|134512025}} |access-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513072453/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/doc/134512025.html |url-status=live }} the chairman E. W. "Ed" Kelley led the restaurant chain until he died on July 4, 2003.

=Under Sardar Biglari=

Entrepreneur Sardar Biglari took control of Steak 'n Shake in August 2008 after three years of declining same-store sales and losses of $100,000 per day. He led a turnaround which resulted in 24 straight quarters of increases in same-store sales and profits of $100,000 per day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrn.com/blog/was-steak-n-shake-nearly-insolvent-2008|title=Was Steak 'n Shake nearly insolvent in 2008?|date=March 19, 2015|website=Nation's Restaurant News}}{{unreliable source?|date=April 2020}} He focused the brand on burgers, fries and milkshakes, reducing the menu from eight pages to a bi-fold.{{cite web |url=http://www.biglariholdings.com/letters/2016/2016.pdf#zoom=100 |title=Letters |date=2016 |website=www.biglariholdings.com |format=PDF|access-date=August 26, 2020}} However the chain ran into more problems in 2016 and onward, with revenue declining sharply.{{Cite web|url=https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/85-years-after-founding-in-normal-challenges-put-steak-n-shake-on-the-brink|title=85 Years After Founding In Normal, Challenges Put Steak 'n Shake On The Brink|date=June 12, 2019|website=Illinois Public Media}} Reasons included under-investment in the restaurants after the deep price cuts of 2008; competition from "fast casual" restaurants like Chipotle which aimed for a more high-class experience; and two expensive lawsuits from former managers who accused the chain of misclassifying them as salaried employees and refusing to pay earned overtime.

File:Graham Rahal at Carb Day 2015 - Stierch.jpg's 2015 Indianapolis 500 IndyCar was sponsored by Steak 'n Shake.]]

In 2018, Steak 'n Shake changed its business model to a franchise partner system, with Biglari attempting to turn all of the 400+ company-owned restaurants into franchise operations. Entrepreneurial single-unit operators could take control of an existing Steak 'n Shake for $10,000, an unusually low price, but were required to give the company 50% of the restaurant's profits.{{cite magazine |last=Reesman |first=Bryan |date=September 19, 2018 |title=The Burger Gold Rush is On at Steak 'n Shake |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/exclusives/burger-gold-rush-steak-n-shake |magazine=QSR |access-date=October 16, 2019}} Even though it offered the new franchise inducement, the firm remained heavily indebted. As of April 2020, its debt was rated as a low C/D "speculative" grade (colloquially known as junk bonds) by bond rating agencies. The Washington Post considered the chain to be extremely likely to default with a low likelihood of recovering, with the restaurant closings due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States being an unrecoverable blow to the firm.{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/04/29/which-iconic-brands-could-disappear-because-coronavirus/|title=The iconic brands that could disappear because of coronavirus|first1=Daniela|last1=Santamariña|first2=Abha|last2=Bhattarai|first3=Kevin|last3=Uhrmacher|date=May 8, 2020|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}

In 2021, Steak N' Shake made a strategic decision to transition away from casual dining and become a fast food restaurant. Steak 'n Shake replaced lunch counters with self-serve kiosks in 2021 to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The chain estimated that remodeling and adding kiosks to each restaurant would cost between $100,000 and $200,000. Changing the service model allowed a significant reduction of store staff. According to management, the old casual dining model faced the challenge of long food preparation time and a cost structure that required paying wait staff. Long term strategy is to empower customers to place and pick up their own orders.

In February 2025, Steak N' Shake announced it would start making fries with 100% beef tallow by March 1. This announcement was later praised publicly by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who used it as an example of his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.{{Cite web |last=Friedman |first=Amanda |date=2025-02-27 |title=Kennedy praises fast food chain's efforts to 'Make America Healthy Again' after it 'RFK'd' its fries |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/27/rfk-jr-french-fries-00002716 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}

In May 2025, Steak N' Shake announced it would begin accepting Bitcoin as payment at all locations.{{cite web |title=Steak n' Shake Twitter Account |url=https://x.com/SteaknShake/status/1920647356032139430 |website=Twitter |access-date=9 May 2025}}

Locations

File:Steak n Shake Signature 1895 Bwy open jeh.jpg

The first Steak 'n Shake in the state of Indiana was opened as a drive-in restaurant in Indianapolis in November 1954.{{cite news |url=http://indystar.newspapers.com/newspage/105443434/ |title=Opening Set for Thursday |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |date=November 7, 1954 |page=33|via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription |quote=Opening of this new Steak 'n Shake drive-in restaurant at 2660 Lafayette Road Thursday morning will mark the first appearance in Indiana of the five-state chain of restaurants. Four more are planned in the area.}} As typical for the era it had offered curb (carhop) service in addition to table service and takeout. At the time, Steak 'n Shake had locations in five states.

The Route 66 Steak 'n Shake in Springfield, Missouri (built 1962), was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.{{cite web| url = http://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/12000462.pdf| title = National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Route 66 Steak 'n Shake| access-date = January 1, 2017| author = Ruth Keenoy| date = January 2012| publisher = Missouri Department of Natural Resources| archive-date = December 28, 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161228202339/http://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/12000462.pdf| url-status = dead}} (includes 10 photographs from 2011){{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20120810.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=August 10, 2012|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 7/30/12 through 8/03/12 |publisher=National Park Service}}{{cite news |url=http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/iconic-restaurant-downtown-building-both-nominated-as-historic-sites |title=Iconic Restaurant, Downtown Building Both Nominated as Historic Sites |website=KOLR |date=May 10, 2012 |access-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110165511/http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/iconic-restaurant-downtown-building-both-nominated-as-historic-sites |url-status=dead }}

The company entered North Carolina opening a franchised location in Greensboro in December 1996.{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=GNRB&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF86F809C75116&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Go Back to '50s at Steak 'n Shake |newspaper=Greensboro News-Record |date=December 4, 1996 |page=D1 |first=Jane |last=Welborn |url-access=subscription |quote=Greensboro restaurant-goers can experience the flavor of a burger restaurant from the 1950s when Steak 'n Shake opens Monday at Wendover Avenue near Interstate 40... The Greensboro Steak 'n Shake is the first in North Carolina. The local franchise is owned by Steakers 'n Shakers, a group of investors from Knoxville, Tenn... There are nine restaurants in Atlanta and 20 in central Florida.}}

Steak 'n Shake began in Wisconsin with locations in Racine, Janesville, and Madison in the late 1990s,{{cite news |url=https://journaltimes.com/news/local/steak-n-shake-passes-muster/article_6c7dcb9d-be04-5559-b4f3-816cb38345d9.html |title=Steak 'n Shake passes muster |newspaper=Racine Journal Times |date=February 11, 1999 |first=Joe |last=Buttweiler |access-date=October 27, 2018}} but all locations closed by 2004.{{Cite news |url=https://journaltimes.com/news/local/gas-station-steak-n-shake-proposed-near-downtown/article_45e2a540-85bd-5557-a00a-2d024e03bae4.html |title=Gas station, Steak 'n Shake proposed near Downtown |last=Spoto |first=Cara |newspaper=Racine Journal Times |date=October 14, 2015 |access-date=October 27, 2018}} Another franchiser opened locations in Waukesha and Wauwatosa in 2007, but both closed by 2010.{{Cite web |url=http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/business/95319434.html |title=Waukesha Steak 'n Shake closed |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=June 1, 2010 |first=Doris |last=Hajewski |access-date=October 27, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/business/96292913.html |title=Tosa Steak 'n Shake closed |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=June 14, 2010 |first=Doris |last=Hajewski |access-date=October 27, 2018}} The chain has not returned to the state.

After briefly operating a few restaurants in South Texas during the 1970s, Steak 'n Shake returned to Texas by opening locations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area in 2001,{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&p_theme=realcities2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF92B0DA7D3E7E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Steak n Shake plans area push |newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=January 18, 2001 |first=Steve |last=McLinden |url-access=subscription }} in the Houston area in 2012,{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/business/article/Steak-n-Shake-fired-up-about-expanding-brand-3780338.php |title=Steak 'n Shake fired up about expanding brand |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=August 12, 2012 |first=Tanya |last=Rutledge}} and in the San Antonio area beginning in 2013.{{cite news |last=Danner |first=Patrick |title=Steak 'n Shake coming to S.A |url=http://www.expressnews.com/business/article/Steak-n-Shake-coming-to-S-A-4506798.php |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |date=May 10, 2013}}

Steak 'n Shake entered South Carolina Carolina opening a location in Greenville in February 2001.{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SHJB&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10B35AFEA8ECD650&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Indiana-based restaurant chain spreading into South Carolina What's shakin'? |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |date=April 10, 2001 |page=B3 |first=Jeff |last=Romig |url-access=subscription |quote=The Indiana-based restaurant Steak 'n Shake began its South Carolina expansion when its inaugural location opened at 499 Congaree Road in Greenville in February. Steak 'n Shake's second location will open in Columbia sometime this summer, followed by a Spartanburg location before the end of the year.}}

The company entered Oklahoma for the first time by opening a franchise location in Edmond in 2004.{{cite news |url=http://newsok.com/article/2858364 |title=Steak n Shake coming to state |newspaper=The Oklahoman |date=July 10, 2004 |first=Tricia |last=Pemberton}}

Steak 'n Shake entered West Virginia for the first time by opening a franchise location in Barboursville in August 2007.{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=HHDB&p_theme=hhdb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11B10E2CB8D97F50&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Steak 'n Shake opens first West Virginia location |newspaper=Huntington Herald-Dispatch |date=August 14, 2007 |url-access=subscription |quote=West Virginia has welcomed its first Steak 'n Shake restaurant, right here in Barboursville. The new store opened at 10 a.m. Monday.}}

Steak 'n Shake opened its first location in Nevada inside the South Point Casino in Las Vegas in July 2010{{cite news |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/inside-gaming/south-point-opens-casino-expansion-adds-steak-n-shake |title=South Point opens casino expansion, adds a Steak 'n Shake |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 12, 2010 |first=Howard |last=Stutz}} and a second location in Reno in July 2013.{{cite news |url=http://www.ktvn.com/story/22979989/steak-n-shake-opens-golden-valley-location |title=Steak 'n Shake Opens Golden Valley Location |website=KTVN |date=July 31, 2013 |access-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427084131/http://www.ktvn.com/story/22979989/steak-n-shake-opens-golden-valley-location |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.nnbw.com/news/18604141-113/shaking-up-northern-nevada |title=Shaking up northern Nevada |website=Northern Nevada Business Weekly |date=October 19, 2015 |first=Annie |last=Conway}} In January 2017, a second Las Vegas location began, the third in Nevada, in the Student Union building on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas{{cite news |url=https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/why-steak-n-shake-big-deal |title=Why Steak 'n Shake is a Big Deal |publisher=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |date=January 20, 2017 |first=Jennifer |last=Gray |access-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015151230/https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/why-steak-n-shake-big-deal |url-status=dead }} followed by a second Reno location, the fourth in Nevada in July 2017.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2017/06/21/steak-n-shake-cooks-up-july-opening-second-reno-store/416938001/ |title=Reno Steak 'n Shake cooks up July opening date |newspaper=USA Today |date=June 21, 2017 |first=Jason |last=Hidalgo}}

Steak 'n Shake entered Louisiana for the first time{{cite news |url=https://www.businessreport.com/article/steak-n-shake-eyes-7-b-r-n-o-locations |title=Steak 'n Shake eyes 7 B.R., N.O. locations |website=Greater Baton Rouge Business Report |date=April 26, 2011 |author=}} by opening a location near Baton Rouge in Covington in 2011.{{cite news |url=http://theadvocate.com/news/business/714057-64/steak-n-shake-plans-br |title=Steak 'n Shake plans BR, Denham Springs locations |newspaper=Baton Rouge Advocate |date=August 30, 2011 |first=Chad |last=Calder |access-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-date=April 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424155514/http://theadvocate.com/news/business/714057-64/steak-n-shake-plans-br |url-status=dead }}

The company first entered Colorado via a franchise in Denver in November 2011{{cite news |url=http://www.westword.com/restaurants/beholddenvers-first-steak-n-shake-5721619 |title=Behold...Denver's first Steak 'n Shake! |newspaper=Westword |date=November 18, 2011 |first=Lori |last=Midson}} before the parent company took over the Colorado locations after a lengthy lawsuit between the franchisee and the parent company.

In January 2012, they opened their first and only location in the state of New York on Manhattan,{{cite web |url=http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/07/nycs_first_steak_n_shake_will_open_next_to_ed_sullivan_theater.php |title=NYC's First Steak 'n Shake to Open Next to Ed Sullivan Theater |first=Amanda |last=Kludt |date=July 13, 2011 |website=Eater}} adjacent to the Ed Sullivan Theater then home to the Late Show with David Letterman. Indiana native David Letterman, an avid Steak 'n Shake fan frequented the location and often talked about it on his show.{{cite news |url=https://www.eater.com/2012/1/13/6622939/watch-david-letterman-order-from-steak-n-shake |title=Watch David Letterman Order From Steak 'n Shake |website=Eater |date=January 13, 2012 |first=Amy |last=McKeever}} The location closed in October 2017, ending the chain's five year presence in the state.{{citation needed|date=November 2017|reason=Proabably true, but still needs a citation to support claim.}}

The first location in New Jersey was opened by a franchise holder in September 2012 in Paramus.{{cite news |url=http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2012/09/states_first_steak_n_shake_set_to_open_in_paramus_park_mall.html |title=State's first Steak 'n Shake set to open in Paramus Park mall next week |website=NJ.com |date=September 26, 2012 |first=Dan |last=Ivers}}

At the beginning of 2016, a second and third location in New Jersey were opened by the same franchisee in West Windsor Township and Hamilton Township;{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/mercer/2016/01/hamilton_and_west_windsor_steak_n_shakes_to_make_3.html |title=Steak 'n Shake coming to Hamilton and West Windsor |website=NJ.com |date=January 7, 2016 |first=Lindsay |last=Rittenhouse}} both of those locations quietly disappeared within a year. In September 2017, the original Paramus location, the last location in New Jersey, also closed after a five-year struggle to remain in business.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/Steak-N-Shake-Paramus-Park-mall-1543018792640271/ |title=Steak N Shake Paramus Park mall |date=September 24, 2017 |work=Steak N Shake Paramus Park New Jersey |via=Facebook}}

File:Opening of first store in Seattle.jpg

The first Steak 'n Shake location in the state of Arizona was opened in Tempe in October 2013.{{cite news |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/arizonas-first-steak-n-shake-coming-to-tempes-mill-avenue-6505259 |title=Arizona's First Steak 'n Shake Coming to Tempe's Mill Avenue |newspaper=Phoenix New Times |date=September 11, 2013 |first=Laura |last=Hahnefeld}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/steak-n-shake-in-tempe-disappoints-nothing-like-the-midwest-favorite-6546619 |title=Steak 'N Shake in Tempe Disappoints; Nothing Like the Midwest Favorite |newspaper=Phoenix New Times |date=October 29, 2013 |first=Eric |last=Schaefe}} A second Arizona location was open on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson in July 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2017/06/steak-n-shake-takes-over-burger-kings-10-year-spot-in-student-union-open-july-30 |title=Steak 'n Shake takes over Burger King's 10-year spot in Student Union, will open July 30 |date=July 2, 2017 |newspaper=Arizona Daily Wildcat |first=Jessica |last=Blackburn |access-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016125631/http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2017/06/steak-n-shake-takes-over-burger-kings-10-year-spot-in-student-union-open-july-30 |url-status=dead }}

The first and only location in the state of Montana and in the upper plain states, was opened in Billings in December 2013.{{cite news |url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/steak-n-shake-opens-on-billings-west-end/article_6d8f19b0-4ee4-5841-a72f-54f1c8f29ae0.html |title=Steak 'n Shake opens on Billings' West End |newspaper=Billings Gazette |date=December 5, 2013 |first=Chris |last=Cioffi}} The restaurant was forced to close after two and a half years in July 2016 due to poor sales that were blamed on "harsh reviews on social media".{{cite news |url=http://billingsgazette.com/business/steak-n-shake-closes-on-billings-west-end/article_222ff3c7-ffd6-50a0-9b9a-29da9cd63d98.html |title=Steak 'n Shake closes on Billings' West End |newspaper=Billings Gazette |date=July 18, 2016 |first=Erik |last=Olson}}

Steak 'n Shake expanded to California in July 2014 by opening a location in Victorville.{{cite news |url=http://www.vvng.com/steak-n-shake-coming-soon-to-victorville/ |title=Steak 'N Shake Coming Soon To Victorville |website=Victor Valley News |date=June 12, 2014 |first=Hugo C |last=Valdez}}{{cite news |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/steak-n-shake-s-first-california-restaurant-opens-today |title=Steak 'n Shake's First California Restaurant Opens Today |website=QSR Magazine |date=July 28, 2014 |author=}} A Los Angeles County location was opened in Santa Monica in late October{{cite news |url=http://la.eater.com/2014/10/28/7084015/steak-n-shakes-la-outlet-santa-monica-third-street-photos-opening#4330958 |title=Steak 'n Shake, Pride of the Midwest, Starts Slinging Burgers in LA Today |website=Eater LA |date=October 28, 2014 |first=Matthew |last=Kang}}{{cite press release |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steak-n-shake-debuts-in-santa-monica-280710602.html |title=Steak 'n Shake Debuts in Santa Monica: The Original Steakburger arrives on Third Street Promenade |date=October 24, 2014 |work=PR Newswire |author=}} and another in Burbank in December of the same year.{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/news/tn-blr-me-new-restaurants-downtown-burbank-20160223-story.html |title=Wave of new restaurants in downtown Burbank represent a change in commerce |newspaper=Burbank Leader |date=February 24, 2016 |first=Chad |last=Garland}} After a lack of activity for over a year in the highly competitive Californian marketplace, the company announced in April 2016 it expected to open its first Orange County location, the fourth in California, in Aliso Viejo in mid-May.{{cite news |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/restaurant-712983-steak-shake.html |title=Iconic steakburger chain Steak 'n Shake to open first O.C. restaurant next month |newspaper=Orange County Register |date=April 21, 2016 |first=Nancy |last=Luna}} After a short delay, a fifth California location was opened behind schedule in Riverside in August 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.pe.com/articles/center-810639-rescheduled-company.html |title=Riverside Steak 'n Shake tentative opening now Aug. 22: The Inland version of the popular Midwestern burger stop will be the 5th in SoCal |newspaper=Riverside Press-Enterprise |date=August 15, 2016 |first=Richard K. |last=De Atley}} In March 2017, a 6th location opened in Yucca Valley.{{citation needed|date=August 2019|reason=Can the claim of opening DURING the stated month by confirmed with a RELIABLE SOURCE? Is it possible that the location in question had opened much earlier or later than that claimed?}} After 3.5 years of operation, the Victorville location closed abruptly in February 2018 after receiving an eviction notice for failure to pay rent.{{cite news |url=http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20180214/in-steak-n-shakes-abrupt-closure-troubles-mount-for-owner |title=In Steak 'n Shake's abrupt closure, troubles mount for owner |newspaper=Victorville Daily Press |date=February 14, 2018 |first=Shea |last=Johnson |access-date=October 13, 2018 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014053028/http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20180214/in-steak-n-shakes-abrupt-closure-troubles-mount-for-owner |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://www.sbsun.com/2018/02/07/steak-n-shake-closes-in-victorville-under-eviction-notice/ |title=Steak 'n Shake closes in Victorville under eviction notice |newspaper=San Bernardino Sun |date=February 7, 2018|first=Fielding |last=Buck}}

In 2015, the company planned a restaurant in Northern California in Campbell, California, but local residents delayed it.{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_29003590/campbell-will-be-home-bay-areas-first-steak |title=Campbell will be home to the Bay Area's first Steak 'n Shake |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |date=October 22, 2015 |first=Jasmine |last=Leyva}} Because of the delay, the first location in Northern California opened instead in Daly City in November 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/10/14/first-norcal-steak-n-shake-will-open-in-daly-city-in-november/ |title=First NorCal Steak 'n Shake will open in Daly City in November |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |date=October 14, 2016 |first=Linda |last=Zavoral}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Steak-n-Shake-arrives-Bay-Area-Daly-City-Campbell-9208816.php |title=Steak 'n Shake arrives in the Bay Area because we need steakburgers |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |date=September 8, 2016 |first=Dianne |last=de Guzman}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2016/09/02/steak-n-shake-bay-area-daly-city-northern-ca.html |title=Steak 'n Shake hits Bay Area |work=San Francisco Business Times |date=September 2, 2016 |first=Tessa |last=Love}} The first Central California location began operating in Fresno in March 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.fresnobee.com/living/food-drink/bethany-clough/article135787398.html |title=Steak 'n Shake opens Monday – we got a sneak peek |newspaper=Fresno Bee |date=March 1, 2017 |first=Bethany |last=Clough}} A second San Francisco Bay Area restaurant was opened on the campus of San Jose State University in July 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/13/south-bays-first-steak-n-shake-opens-at-sjsu-and-its-open-to-the-public/ |title=South Bay's first Steak 'n Shake opens at SJSU (and it's open to the public) |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |date=July 13, 2017 |first=Linda |last=Zavoral}} After a long two year delay fighting local anti-development activists, the company finally opened their long expected restaurant in Campbell in September 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/04/steak-n-shake-opens-today-in-campbell-heres-whats-on-the-menu/ |title=Steak 'n Shake opens in Campbell; here's what's on the menu |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |date=September 4, 2017 |first=Linda |last=Zavoral}} After four months of operation, the Daly City location closed as well as the Campbell location in January 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/01/08/has-steak-n-shake-closed-in-campbell-after-just-4-months/ |title=Steak 'n Shake closures: First Campbell, now Daly City |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |date=January 8, 2018 |last1=Zavoral |first1=Linda |last2=Leyva |first2=Jasmine |name-list-style=amp}} This left the San Jose location on the campus of SJSU as the only store in the Bay Area.{{cite news |url=https://q102sf.radio.com/blogs/bradford-hornsby/steak-n-shake-shutters-bay-area-locations |title=Steak 'N Shake Shutters Bay Area Locations: The lauded midwestern staple Steak 'N Shake has closed two of its three Bay Area locations |work=KRBQ |date=January 10, 2018 |first=Bradford |last=Hornsby}} After 10 months of operation, the lone Central California location in Fresno also closed in January 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.fresnobee.com/living/food-drink/bethany-clough/article212526494.html |title=Fresno couldn't wait for a Steak 'n Shake. A year later it's closed. What happened? |newspaper=Fresno Bee |date=June 4, 2018 |first=Bethany |last=Clough}}

In June 2015, the first location in Maryland opened in Millersville.{{cite news |url=http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ph-ac-cn-steak-shake-opening-0622-20150622-story.html |title=Millersville Steak 'n Shake opens |website=Capital Gazette |date=June 22, 2005 |first=Ben |last=Weathers |access-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518202258/http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ph-ac-cn-steak-shake-opening-0622-20150622-story.html |url-status=dead }} Two years later, the struggling Maryland franchisee filed for voluntary bankruptcy in June 2017 while still remaining open.{{cite news |url=http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/business/ph-ac-cn-steak-auction-cancelled-0701-20170630-story.html |title=Steak 'n Shake auction canceled, store continues operation |website=Capital Gazette |date=June 30, 2017 |first=Alex |last=Mann |access-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122106/http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/business/ph-ac-cn-steak-auction-cancelled-0701-20170630-story.html |url-status=dead }} The location finally closed in January 2018 after the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County seized the restaurant for non-payment on loans and taxes. The restaurant and contents were auctioned off by the court on January 31, 2018.{{cite web |url=https://realestate.alexcooper.com/auction-property/1-CMPYG/substitute-trustees-sale-freestanding-fast-food-restaurant-and-furniture-fixtures-equipment-in-millersville |title=Substitute Trustees' Sale: Freestanding Fast Food Restaurant And Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment in "Millersville" |work=Alex Cooper Auction |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180221224054/https://realestate.alexcooper.com/auction-property/1-CMPYG/substitute-trustees-sale-freestanding-fast-food-restaurant-and-furniture-fixtures-equipment-in-millersville |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |url-status=live }} Later in the year, the franchise owner was arrested after the FBI filed an indictment against the franchise owner for plotting to kill his wife and to burn the restaurant down in an attempt to receive insurance money for his then failing business.{{cite news |url=http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/for_the_record/ac-cn-arson-murder-plot-0829-story.html |title=Anne Arundel restaurateur indicted in plot to frame wife as terrorist, burn business |website=Capital Gazette |date=August 29, 2018 |first=Phil |last=Davis |access-date=October 13, 2018 |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093314/http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/for_the_record/ac-cn-arson-murder-plot-0829-story.html |url-status=dead }} In January 2019, the restaurant reopened under new management.{{cite news |url=http://www.severnaparkvoice.com/stories/sak-n-shake-now-under-new-ownership,27131 |title=Steak 'N Shake Now Under New Ownership |website=Severna Park Voice |date=January 17, 2019 |author=}} In April 2019, the same franchise owner of the Millersville location announced plans to open a second location in White Marsh by the summer of 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/food-drink/bs-fo-steak-shake-20190403-story.html |title=Steak 'n Shake to open first location in Baltimore County |newspaper=Baltimore Sun |date=April 3, 2019 |first=Christina |last=Tkacik}}

The first location in the Pacific Northwest opened in Seattle in May 2016;{{cite news |url=http://seattle.eater.com/2016/5/24/11761656/steak-n-shake-seattle-open |title=Steak 'n Shake Seattle Finally Opens Tomorrow: Welcome, new burger overlords |website=Eater |date=May 24, 2016 |first=Adam H. |last=Callaghan}} it went defunct after four years.{{citation needed|date=December 2021|reason=Unable to confirm when location had actually closed.}}

In September 2018, the first location in Delaware was opened in Middletown.{{cite news |url=https://delawarebusinessnow.com/2018/09/steak-n-shake-middletown-locations-moves-toward-opening/ |title=Steak 'n Shake Middletown opens in Middletown on Labor Day |website=Delaware Business Now |date=September 2, 2018 |author=}}

In March 2019, the first location in Nebraska was opened on the campus of University of Nebraska–Lincoln.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/chick-fil-a-steak-n-shake-to-open-march/article_3d5cf910-3497-11e9-9b6f-af3ad306c26c.html |title=Chick-fil-A, Steak 'n Shake to open March 11 |newspaper=The Daily Nebraskan |date=February 19, 2019 |first=Libby |last=Seline}}

In March 2019, Steak 'n Shake announced plans to open its first restaurant in Washington, D.C., inside the Rayburn House Office Building to serve House members, staffers, and the public who pass "through security and a metal detector".{{cite news |url=https://dc.eater.com/2019/3/15/18267110/steak-n-shake-opening-dc-rayburn-house |title=Midwestern Favorite Steak 'n Shake Is Reportedly Headed to Capitol Hill: The Indiana chain is slated to open at the Rayburn building by |website=Eater DC |date=March 15, 2019 |first=Adele |last=Chapin}} The location officially opened for business in the first week of September 2019.{{cite news |url=https://wtop.com/business-finance/2019/09/dc-gets-its-first-steak-n-shake-in-an-unusual-location/ |title=DC gets its first Steak n' Shake (in an unusual location) |work=WTOP-FM |first=Jeff |last=Clabaugh |date=September 13, 2019}}

In January 11, 2021, the first Steak N Shake location in the Des Moines Suburb of West Des Moines opened, joining seven other stores in Iowa, with strict measures at the time including no eat-in dining.{{cite news |last1=Akin |first1=Katie |title=Des Moines metro's first Steak 'n Shake opens after more than a year of delays |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/01/11/steak-n-shake-opens-west-des-moines-after-delays-hours-address-location/6624712002/ |access-date=January 15, 2021 |work=Des Moines Register}}

International expansion

In December 2013, Steak 'n Shake opened a corporate office in Monte Carlo, Monaco, to support its expansion in West Asia and Europe.{{cite news |last=Danner |first=Patrick |title=Steak 'n Shake sacrifices earnings for growth |url=http://www.expressnews.com/business/local/article/Steak-n-Shake-sacrifices-earnings-for-growth-5049203.php |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |url-access=subscription }}

=West Asia=

In October 2012, Steak 'n Shake announced its first international expansion agreement with plans to open forty locations in the United Arab Emirates. The first of these locations opened in Dubai in 2013,{{cite web |url=http://www.ahlanlive.com/steak-n-shake-set-to-open-its-first-restaurant-in-the-dubai-mall-438085.html |title=Steak 'N Shake's First Restaurant in The Dubai Mall |website=Ahlan! |date=August 18, 2013 |first=Olivia |last=Spadavecchia}} but closed in a little more than a year. Only two out of the original 40 locations planned were ever opened in the UAE. Both closed in January 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/money/2015/01/07/steakburgers-dubai-steak-shake-closes-uae/21391499/ |title=No more steakburgers in Dubai: Steak 'n Shake closes in UAE |newspaper=Indianapolis Star |first=Jeff |last=Swiatek |date=January 7, 2015}}

The brand also announced in December 2013 a 50-unit franchise agreement in Saudi Arabia with AB Holdings. The first location in Riyadh was expected to open in the first half of 2014.{{cite press release |title=Steak 'n Shake Announces Major International Expansion Agreement |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steak-n-shake-announces-major-international-expansion-agreement-236360531.html |date=December 18, 2013 |work=PR Newswire |author= |access-date=February 21, 2014}}

The first location in the Persian Gulf country of Kuwait was opened in December 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.chillnite.com/9288/2014/12/steak-n-shake-kuwait-opens-with-a-glitzy-fanfare/ |title=Steak n Shake Kuwait opens with a glitzy fanfare |website=Chill Nite |date=December 18, 2014 |author=}} This location appeared to have been closed after less than three years of operation.{{cite web |url=https://rinnoo.net/en/article/2017/12/18/5691/steak-n-shake-restaurant-permanently-closed-in-kuwait |title=Steak n Shake Restaurant Permanently closed in Kuwait? |date=December 18, 2017 |work=Rinnoo.net}}

The first location in Qatar opened at the Tawar Mall in November 2017.{{cite tweet |user=TawarMallDoha |number=931087482799628291 |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Steak 'N Shake Qatar is Now Open at Tawar Mall}}

=Europe=

The first two European locations opened in Cannes, France, in May 2014{{cite news |url=http://www.rogerebert.com/cannes/as-cannes-opens-so-does-a-steak-n-shake |title=As Cannes opens, so does a Steak 'n Shake |website=RogerEbert.Com |date=May 14, 2014 |first=Ben |last=Kenigsberg}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/11/14/steak-n-shake-goes-upscale-international/19056521/ |title=Steak n Shake goes upscale, international |newspaper=USA Today |date=November 14, 2014 |first=Jeff |last=Swiatek}} and on the island of Ibiza in Spain in June 2014.{{cite web |url=https://myibiza.tv/party/steak-n-shake-ibiza-launch-party/ |title=The Steak 'N Shake Restaurant officially opens on the 26th June 2014! |website=My Ibiza |date=June 26, 2014 |author= |access-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625033457/https://myibiza.tv/party/steak-n-shake-ibiza-launch-party/ |url-status=dead }}

The second location in France was opened in Marseille in December 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/2014/12/12/20005-20141212ARTFIG00026-steak-n-shake-s-attaque-a-mcdonald-s-en-europe.php |title=Steak 'n Shake s'attaque à McDonald's en Europe |newspaper=Le Figaro |date=December 12, 2014 |language=fr |first=Aliette |last=de Broqua |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake tackles McDonald's in Europe}} A third location in France was opened in Toulon in April 2016{{cite web |url=http://www.toute-la-franchise.com/news-400332-burger-gourmet-un-nouveau-restaurant-steak-n-shake-bientot-a-toulon.html |title=Burger Gourmet : un nouveau restaurant Steak'n Shake bientôt à Toulon |date=April 1, 2016 |website=Toute la franchise |trans-title=Burger Gourmet: a new Steak 'n Shake restaurant soon in Toulon |language=fr |author=}} and was quickly followed in June by the openings of a fourth and fifth location in Caen and Rueil-Malmaison respectively,{{cite web |url=http://ac-franchise.com/article/le-reseau-steakn-shake-sinstalle-a-caen-et-rueil-malmaison-en-juin-2977 |title=Le réseau Steak'n Shake s'installe à Caen et Rueil-Malmaison en juin |date=May 17, 2016 |website=AC Franchise |trans-title=The Steak'n Shake network moves to Caen and Rueil-Malmaison in June |language=fr |author=}} in October by the openings of a sixth location at the Cité Europe shopping centre in Coquelles,{{cite web |url=http://www.nordlittoral.fr/calais/steak-n-shake-ouvre-ce-mercredi-a-la-cite-europe-ia0b0n353653 |title=Steak'n Shake ouvre ce mercredi à la cité Europe |website=Nord Littoral |date=October 19, 2016 |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake opens this Wednesday at the Cité Europe |language=fr |author=}} and in November of a seventh location in Fenouillet.{{cite news |url=http://www.toute-la-franchise.com/news-435182-steak-n-shake-ouverture-fenouillet-31.html |title=Steak'n Shake ouvre un restaurant à Fenouillet en Haute-Garonne |website=Toute la franchise |date=November 19, 2016 |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake opens a restaurant in Fenouillet in Haute-Garonne |language=fr |author=}} The eighth and ninth location in France were started in Bordeaux{{cite news |url=https://www.snacking.fr/news-3162-Steak-n-Shake-pare-au-decalage.php |title=Steak'n Shake paré au décollage |website=Snacking |date=January 4, 2017 |language=fr |author= |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake ready for take-off |quote=C’est à Bordeaux, dans le quartier des Bassins à Flot à proximité du siège de C Discount, que Steak'n Shake a clôturé 2016 avec l’ouverture en décembre de son 8e restaurant hexagonal... |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105112403/http://www.snacking.fr/news-3162-Steak-n-Shake-pare-au-decalage.php |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://officieldelafranchise.fr/actualites/les-communiques-des-reseaux/400-de-croissance-pour-steakn-shake-en-2016-04012017 |title=400 % de croissance pour Steak'n Shake en 2016 |website=L'Officiel de la Franchise |date=January 4, 2017 |language=fr |first=Christelle |last=Simon |trans-title=400% growth for Steak 'n Shake in 2016 |quote=Steak’n Shake clôture l’année 2016 avec l’ouverture de son 8ème restaurant français à Bordeaux et amorce la nouvelle année avec une dizaine de nouveaux projets sur le grill.}} and Anglet respectively in early 2017.{{cite news |url=https://vie-economique.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/JOURNAL-VIE-ECO-2263-BDEF.pdf |title=Burgers: Steak'n'Shake, La Différence |magazine=La Vie Économique du Sud-Ouest |date=September 27, 2017 |first=Vincent |last=Rousset |page=6 |number=2263 |language=fr |trans-title=Burgers: Steak 'n Shake, The difference |issn=1157-5387 |quote=Steak'n'Shake a ouvert début 2017 simultanément deux restaurants à Anglet et Bordeaux. |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171301/https://vie-economique.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/JOURNAL-VIE-ECO-2263-BDEF.pdf |url-status=dead }} A second location in Marseille was opened in December 2017.{{cite news |url=https://www.laprovence.com/article/edition-marseille/4751760/steakn-shake-le-burger-gourmet-des-etats-unis-sinstalle-en-grandes-pompes.html |title=Marseille : Steak'n Shake, le burger gourmet s'installe sur le Vieux-Port |newspaper=La Provence |date=December 13, 2017 |first=Nadia |last=Tighidet |language=fr |trans-title=Marseille: Steak'n Shake, the gourmet burger settles in Old Port}} A third location in Marseille, the 17th location in France, was opened in May 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.laprovence.com/article/papier/4962893/le-steakn-shake-a-ouvert-ses-portes-hier.html |title=Marseille : un nouveau Steak'n shake a ouvert ses portes ce mardi |newspaper=La Provence |date=May 9, 2018 |author= |language=fr |trans-title=Marseille: A new Steak 'n Shake opened on Tuesday}}

The second location in Spain was opened in Madrid, the capital, in September 2015{{cite news |url=http://www.megustamibarrio.es/restaurantes-en-madrid/steak-n-shake-llega-el-fast-food-de-calidad-a-madrid/ |title=Steak n' Shake: llega el fast food de calidad a Madrid |website=Me gusta mi bario (blog) |date=September 2, 2015 |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake: Fast food of quality arrives in Madrid |language=es |author=}} followed by one in Churra, Murcia, in October 2015.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/steaknshake_es/status/654739583133847552 |title=¡Hemos llegado murcianos! Ya podéis visitarnos en el Centro Comercial Thader |website=Twitter |date=October 15, 2015 |trans-title=We have arrived Murcianos! You can now visit us in the Thader Mall |language=es |author= |publisher=Steak 'n Shake Spain}}

The first location in Italy opened in Milan in December 2015.{{cite news |url=http://retailfood.it/index.php/2015/12/17/steak-nshake-debutta-al-bicocca-village/ |title=Steak N'Shake debutta al Bicocca Village |website=Retail & Food |date=December 17, 2015 |author= |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake debuts at Bicocca Village |language=it}} A second location was opened in Peschiera del Garda in May 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.bresciatoday.it/economia/Steak-Shake-peschiera-garda-indirizzo.html |title=Dagli hamburger alle patatine col formaggio fuso: apre Steak 'n Shake |website=Brescia Today |date=May 11, 2016 |author= |trans-title=From burgers to fries with melted cheese: open Steak 'n Shake |language=it}} A third location was opened in Castione Andevenno in September 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.ilgiorno.it/sondrio/economia/iperal-lavoro-1.2478368 |title=Settanta nuovi posti di lavoro a Castione Andevenno: Iperal si espande, apre la catena americana Steak'n Shake e potrebbero arrivare anche Zara e H&M |newspaper=Il Giorno |date=September 3, 2016 |first=Camilla |last=Martina |trans-title=Seventy new jobs in Castione Andevenno: Iperal expands, opens the American chain Steak 'n Shake and could even reach Zara and H & M |language=it}}

In July 2016, the first location in Portugal opened in Montijo, near Lisbon (closed in 2023).{{cite news |url=https://www.dinheirovivo.pt/empresas/cadeia-steakn-shake-entra-em-portugal-e-investe-25-milhoes/ |title=Cadeia Steak 'n Shake entra em Portugal e investe 2,5 milhões |website=Dinheiro Vivo |date=July 7, 2016 |first=Ana |last=Marcela |trans-title=Steak 'n Shake chain enters Portugal and invests 2.5 million |language=pt}}

In December 2016, the first store in the United Kingdom opened in Chester, Cheshire, England.{{cite news |url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/new-chester-burger-bar-create-12276826 |title=New Chester burger bar to create a real buzz – literally!: American chain opens first UK franchise in Chester on Sunday, December 11 |newspaper=Chester Chronicle |date=December 6, 2016 |first=David |last=Holmes}} The only location in the UK was closed 21 months later in August 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Article/2018/08/08/Steak-n-Shake-closes-its-only-UK-site |title=US-born Steak n Shake closes its only UK site |website=BigHospitality |date=August 8, 2018 |first=Georgia |last=Bronte}}{{cite news |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/steak-n-shake-chester-closes-14994947 |title=Steak n Shake in Chester closes after less than two years - as plans are submitted for student housing on first floor |newspaper=Chester Chronicle |date=August 6, 2018 |first=Carmella |last=de Lucia}}

Controversies

=Franchise pricing lawsuits=

Between 2010 and 2015, Steak 'n Shake became involved in lawsuits with several of its franchisees concerning mandatory menu prices and mandatory food sourcing. {{As of|2013|8}}, five lawsuits had been filed. The first lawsuit began in 2010; it was filed by Stuller, Inc., the Illinois franchisee that is the oldest franchisee in Steak 'n Shake's history. Stuller won a preliminary injunction that went to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in August 2012.{{cite court |litigants=Stuller, Inc. v. Steak N Shake Enterprises, Inc, et al. |vol=695 |reporter=F.3d |opinion=676 |court=7th Cir. |date=August 24, 2012 |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCOURTS-ca7-11-02656/USCOURTS-ca7-11-02656-0/content-detail.html |access-date=August 27, 2013 }} Docket No. 11-2656. Three more franchisees filed suit in April 2013—Druco Restaurants based in St. Louis, People Sales & Profit Co. based in Georgia, and Scott's S&S Inc. in Pennsylvania.{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |title=More franchisees join revolt over Steak n Shake menu pricing |url=http://www.ibj.com/more-franchisees-join-revolt-over-steak-n-shake-menu-pricing/PARAMS/article/41110 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |date=May 1, 2013}} A settlement was reached with these franchisees in 2014, but terms of the settlement were not made public.{{cite news |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/50594-settlement-reached-in-steak-n-shake-franchisee-suit |title=Settlement reached in Steak n Shake franchisee suit |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |date=November 22, 2014 |first=Greg |last=Andrews}}

Steak 'n Shake filed suit against Denver franchisees Larry and Christopher Baerns in July 2013 over the same issues, with a counterclaim soon after.{{cite news |url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24014875/steak-n-shakes-closed-by-judge |title=Judge rules Steak 'n Shakes in metro Denver must close, but they don't |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=September 4, 2013 |first=David |last=Migoya}} Steak 'n Shake won its lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Baerns when the judge ruled that the Baerns intentionally overcharged customers.{{cite news |url=http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_28568113/judge-steak-n-shake-franchise-owners-violated-agreement |title=Judge: Steak 'n Shake franchise owners violated agreement, must pay up: Federal case ends with ruling that former owners of Centennial, Sheridan stores overcharged customers |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=July 31, 2015 |first=David |last=Migoya}} The complaints by the franchisees also question whether Steak 'n Shake promised franchise results that could never actually be achieved under its policies.{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |title=Steak n Shake dispute with franchisees reaches to Denver |url=http://www.ibj.com/steak-n-shake-dispute-with-franchisees-reaches-to-denver/PARAMS/article/42833 |access-date=August 27, 2013 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |date=August 5, 2013}}

=Employee classification lawsuits=

286 managers in the St. Louis area filed and won a lawsuit against Steak 'n Shake on grounds that they were misclassified as exempt employees unable to earn overtime.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/steak-n-shake-gets-7-7-million-tab-for-st-louis-area-manager-overtime-in/article_4dd9146a-10c5-54ac-b026-670e8c03193a.html|title=Steak 'n Shake gets $7.7 million tab for St. Louis-area manager overtime in latest blow to chain|first=Robert|last=Patrick|website=STLtoday.com|date=May 21, 2019 }} Steak 'n Shake had to pay $7.7 million in damages. They were sued again by an even larger group of 1100+ managers on similar grounds; as of 2019, that case was pending.