You’ve probably heard that Santa Monica launched America’s first Bitcoin Office pilot programme last July. What you might not know is how this move has quietly influenced the dining scene here, creating something that feels both cutting-edge and remarkably practical.
The numbers tell an interesting story. More than 65 million Americans now own cryptocurrency—that’s roughly 28% of adults. For restaurants, this represents a customer base that’s not just tech-savvy but demonstrably willing to spend more. According to recent data from Binance.com and other major exchanges, crypto customers consistently show 30% higher average order values compared to traditional payment methods.
But here’s what makes Santa Monica’s approach different: restaurants aren’t chasing trends. They’re solving real problems.
More Than Digital Novelty
When Steak ‘n Shake rolled out Bitcoin payments across all their US locations this past May, they weren’t making a marketing statement. They were addressing transaction costs that eat into already thin margins.
The math is straightforward. Traditional credit card processing typically costs restaurants between 2-3% per transaction. Crypto payments through processors like BitPay or Strike? Around 1.5%. For a restaurant doing $50,000 monthly in card transactions, that difference adds up to roughly $6,000-$9,000 annually.
Data from crypto exchange Binance shows that Block’s addition to the S&P 500 reflects “the increasing mainstream adoption of digital payments and cryptocurrency”, with Square terminals now integrating Bitcoin payment functionality. This isn’t some distant future—it’s happening in point-of-sale systems across the country right now.
The volatility concern that kept many restaurant owners cautious has largely been addressed through instant fiat conversion. When a customer pays with Bitcoin, the restaurant receives dollars in their bank account within hours, sometimes minutes. The crypto never touches their books.
From Food Trucks to Fine Dining
California hosts over 400 businesses accepting cryptocurrency, and Santa Monica’s restaurants are well-represented in that number. The diversity might surprise you—everything from casual spots to upscale establishments.
FAT Brands, the parent company behind Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Round Table Pizza, became one of the first major franchisors to accept Bitcoin for royalty payments earlier this year. That decision signals something important: crypto adoption is moving beyond customer transactions into business-to-business operations.
Santa Monica’s annual Pacific Bitcoin Festival brings thousands of crypto-aware tourists to the area. For local restaurants, this represents a concentrated customer base that’s not just comfortable with digital payments—they prefer them.
According to Binance CEO Richard Teng, “The GENIUS Act represents what the crypto industry has long needed—clear, comprehensive stablecoin regulation.” This regulatory clarity gives restaurant owners the confidence to implement these systems without worrying about sudden policy changes.
The Bitcoin Office pilot program provides another advantage unique to Santa Monica. Restaurant owners have access to resources and guidance that simply don’t exist in other cities. It’s not just about accepting payments—it’s about understanding the technology and its implications for their business.
The Customer Experience
Here’s what actually happens when you pay with crypto at a participating restaurant. You scan a QR code at your table or at the register. Your crypto wallet—whether that’s Coinbase, BitPay, or another platform—opens automatically. You confirm the amount and approve the transaction. Done.
The process takes about the same time as inserting a credit card and entering your PIN. Maybe less.
Global spending using QR codes is expected to reach $3 trillion by 2025, and restaurants are positioning themselves at the centre of this shift. Starbucks already partners with platforms like SPEDN by Flexa and the Bakkt App, allowing customers to convert crypto to gift cards seamlessly.
What’s interesting is how this appeals to different customer segments. You’ve got crypto enthusiasts who prefer using their digital assets for everyday purchases. But you also have customers who simply appreciate the speed and convenience—no fumbling for cards, no waiting for chip readers, and no signatures.
The hospitality industry data shows that 14% of digital currency transactions in 2024 went toward travel and hospitality. That’s a significant portion, and it’s growing as more establishments make crypto payments available.
The learning curve for staff has proven manageable. Most payment processors handle the technical complexity behind the scenes, so from an employee perspective, it’s just another payment option on their existing system.
What This Means for Santa Monica’s Restaurant Scene
Digital payment platforms supporting cryptocurrency are projected to grow by more than 80% between 2024 and 2026. For Santa Monica restaurants, early adoption creates a competitive advantage that extends beyond just payment processing.
Consider the broader context. Santa Monica sits in the heart of Silicon Beach, surrounded by tech companies and professionals who are comfortable with—and often prefer—digital payment methods. The city’s Economic Development team has been actively promoting sustainable economic growth through various business support programs, making crypto payment adoption part of a broader initiative to help local establishments thrive.
Data from crypto exchange Binance shows that “stablecoins crossed $250B in market cap” with regulatory wins positioning them “as core financial infrastructure”. This stability provides the foundation restaurants need for confident, long-term adoption.
The practical implications are already visible:
- Restaurants can attract crypto-holding customers who might otherwise dine elsewhere
- Tourist appeal increases during crypto conferences and events
- Integration with existing point-of-sale systems requires minimal disruption
- Processing fees decrease while transaction speeds increase
- Customer data becomes more straightforward to manage
There’s also something to be said for being part of a larger story. Santa Monica’s approach to crypto adoption—measured, practical, supportive—reflects the city’s broader identity as a place where innovation serves real needs rather than just making headlines.
A Natural Next Step
What we’re seeing in Santa Monica’s restaurant scene isn’t a radical departure from traditional business practices. It’s an incremental improvement that happens to use newer technology.
The restaurants embracing crypto payments aren’t doing so because they’re chasing the latest trend. They’re doing it because the business case makes sense, the technology works reliably, and their customers increasingly expect these options.
Perhaps that’s the most telling aspect of this shift. When crypto payments become routine enough that we stop thinking of them as crypto payments—when they’re just another way to pay for dinner—that’s when you know adoption has moved beyond the experimental phase.
For Santa Monica, that moment feels closer than you might think.
