Steak 'n Shake is making a big statement — with big American flags. The burger chain announced it will install record-size US flags outside every one of its restaurants across the country.
In a post shared on Saturday, Oct. 4, the company declared on social media, "Every Steak n Shake is getting the tallest and biggest American flag that local governments will allow!" The move, the chain says, is part of a commitment to "proudly support American values and traditions."
The announcement quickly drew national attention, including support from Elon Musk, who wrote on X, "I'm ordering from there tomorrow!"
According to People, others praised the idea, calling it "awesome" and "patriotic." Still, some users questioned the company's motives and the focus on flag size.
Steak 'n Shake confirmed the plan again on Monday, Oct. 6, saying flag installations have already begun.
The Indianapolis-based chain, which is known for its burgers and milkshakes, has more than 400 locations, many in the Midwest and Southeast.
The flag initiative comes during a time when the brand has made several moves to highlight what it describes as traditional values.
The flag installations have begun at Steak n Shake.
— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) October 4, 2025
Every Steak n Shake is getting the tallest and biggest American flag that local governments will allow!
Steak n Shake proudly supports American values and traditions. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/w19csgwy5H
Steak 'n Shake Fries in Beef Tallow, Flags Fly High Next
Earlier this year, Steak 'n Shake made headlines for switching to beef tallow for cooking its fries, drawing praise from public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who supports reducing seed oils in the American diet, USA Today reported.
In August, the chain also publicly criticized Cracker Barrel for attempting to modernize its logo. "At Steak 'n Shake, we take pride in our history, our families, and American values," the company posted online.
"We will never market ourselves away from our past."
Now, the flag initiative builds on that messaging. A photo shared with the announcement shows employees standing proudly under a towering American flag, with the caption, "The flag installations have begun."
Not everyone has responded with the same level of excitement. Critics on social media questioned whether the move is more about marketing than meaning.
One user wrote, "Why now? Why the size? We fly a flag every day — no fanfare needed."
Still, Steak 'n Shake is standing firm. The company said each location will raise the largest US flag permitted by local laws, and flags will remain a permanent fixture at the restaurants.
Originally published on vcpost.com
