Why Did Steak ‘n Shake Discontinue Their Chicken Tenders? The Full Story Behind the Menu Change

Have you ever walked into your local Steak ‘n Shake craving those delicious chicken tenders only to discover they’ve vanished from the menu? You’re not alone. As a long-time fan of Steak ‘n Shake myself, I was shocked when I couldn’t order my usual tender basket during a recent visit. This unexpected menu change has left many customers confused and disappointed, sparking conversations across social media platforms and food forums.

So what exactly happened to those crispy, juicy chicken tenders we all loved? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this controversial decision and whether there’s any hope for their return.

The Disappearance That Shocked Customers

Steak ‘n Shake quietly removed chicken tenders from their menu as part of a broader restructuring effort. The move wasn’t announced with any fanfare – they simply disappeared, leaving regular customers wondering what happened. The outcry was immediate and palpable, with social media erupting with questions and complaints.

For many people, especially families with children, these chicken tenders weren’t just another menu item – they were a reliable go-to option that satisfied even the pickiest eaters. Their removal has left a noticeable gap in the Steak ‘n Shake experience.

The Perfect Storm: Multiple Factors Behind the Decision

The decision to discontinue chicken tenders wasn’t made lightly or for a single reason. Instead, it appears to have been the result of several converging factors:

1. Menu Simplification Strategy

Under the ownership of Biglari Holdings Inc (which acquired Steak ‘n Shake in 2008), the restaurant chain has been implementing a comprehensive strategy to simplify its menu. This simplification initiative aimed to

• Improve operational efficiency in the kitchen
• Reduce food waste
• Speed up service times
• Lower training requirements for staff
• Streamline inventory management

Chicken tenders, despite their popularity, require separate preparation stations, different cooking times, and specific handling protocols. In a kitchen trying to become more efficient, these complexities became a liability.

2. Financial Struggles and Cost-Cutting Measures

It’s no secret that Steak ‘n Shake has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. The company has been dealing with:

• Declining sales
• Growing debt
• Rising operational costs
• Intense competition in the fast-casual dining space

These financial pressures forced management to make tough decisions about which menu items to keep and which to cut Items that were less profitable or more expensive to prepare became prime candidates for elimination,

3. Supply Chain Complications

The food service industry has experienced unprecedented disruptions in supply chains, particularly in recent years. Chicken products specifically have faced:

• Price volatility
• Inconsistent availability
• Quality control challenges
• Rising transportation costs

By removing chicken tenders from the menu, Steak ‘n Shake could better manage its inventory and stabilize its supply chain by focusing on fewer key ingredients.

4. Refocusing on Core Brand Identity

At its heart, Steak ‘n Shake has always been primarily known for its burgers and milkshakes – it’s literally in the name! Chicken tenders, while popular, were arguably secondary to the core identity of the brand.

The company appears to be making a strategic decision to refocus on what they do best – serving affordable, classic American burgers and milkshakes. This return to basics is an attempt to reestablish their reputation and regain competitive edge in a crowded market.

Part of a Broader Menu Overhaul

The chicken tenders weren’t the only casualties in this menu transformation. Steak ‘n Shake has trimmed numerous items from their offerings, including:

• Chicken sandwiches
• Specialty burgers like BBQ and bacon ranch
• Side dishes such as baked beans and mac & cheese
• Certain milkshake flavors

This widespread culling of the menu supports the theory that the decision was part of a comprehensive restructuring rather than being specifically targeted at chicken tenders alone.

Customer Reactions: Disappointment and Loyalty Tested

The removal of chicken tenders has generated significant negative feedback from loyal customers. Many have expressed their frustration through:

• Social media complaints
• Direct feedback to restaurants
• Online reviews
• Reduced patronage

Some customers have even pledged to take their business elsewhere, specifically to competitors that still offer chicken tenders. This represents a real risk to Steak ‘n Shake’s customer base and revenue.

However, not all reactions have been negative. Some loyal fans have shown understanding for the company’s difficult position, recognizing that these tough decisions might be necessary for the chain’s survival.

Competitors Seizing the Opportunity

As they say, one restaurant’s loss is another’s gain. Competing chains have been quick to capitalize on Steak ‘n Shake’s decision by:

• Promoting their own chicken tender options
• Creating targeted social media campaigns
• Offering special deals on chicken items
• Emphasizing variety in their menus

Chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A have all benefited from disappointed Steak ‘n Shake customers looking for their chicken tender fix.

Will Chicken Tenders Ever Return to Steak ‘n Shake?

For those holding out hope for the return of chicken tenders to Steak ‘n Shake’s menu, I’ve got some bad news. As of now, there are no announced plans to bring them back. The discontinuation appears to be permanent rather than temporary.

The decision to remove chicken tenders was part of a fundamental shift in business strategy, not a response to temporary conditions. This makes their return unlikely in the near future.

However, in the restaurant industry, “never” is a dangerous word. Consumer demand has brought back retired menu items before. If enough customers express their desire for chicken tenders to return, there’s always a possibility that Steak ‘n Shake might reconsider.

How Can Customers Voice Their Opinions?

If you’re among those missing Steak ‘n Shake’s chicken tenders, there are several ways to make your voice heard:

• Contact customer service through the official Steak ‘n Shake website
• Engage with the brand on social media platforms
• Provide feedback directly to restaurant managers
• Participate in customer satisfaction surveys

While there’s no guarantee that feedback will bring back chicken tenders, companies do pay attention to consistent customer messages.

Alternative Options for Steak ‘n Shake Customers

For loyal Steak ‘n Shake patrons who still crave chicken tenders, there are unfortunately few direct substitutes on the current menu. The chain doesn’t offer many chicken options at all since the restructuring.

Your best alternatives at Steak ‘n Shake might be:

• The Frisco Melt (a sandwich with grilled meat)
• Various burger options
• Other menu items that might satisfy similar cravings

Alternatively, you might need to visit other restaurants specifically for your chicken tender cravings while still enjoying Steak ‘n Shake for their signature burgers and shakes.

The Business Lesson: Balancing Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction

The Steak ‘n Shake chicken tender saga illustrates a classic business dilemma: how do you balance operational efficiency with customer satisfaction?

On one hand, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and focusing on core competencies are sound business strategies, especially for a struggling company. On the other hand, removing popular menu items risks alienating customers and damaging brand loyalty.

There’s no perfect answer to this dilemma. Every business must find its own balance point. For Steak ‘n Shake, the calculation evidently favored operational efficiency over maintaining the full menu variety that customers had come to expect.

Long-Term Outlook: Will the Strategy Pay Off?

The jury is still out on whether Steak ‘n Shake’s menu simplification strategy will ultimately prove successful. Early indicators suggest mixed results:

• Operational efficiency has likely improved
• Food costs may have decreased
• But customer dissatisfaction presents ongoing challenges
• Loss of patrons to competitors remains a concern

The parent company, Biglari Holdings, continues to express commitment to reviving the brand through:

• New corporate leadership
• Restaurant redesigns
• Updated technology systems
• Focus on the core menu

Time will tell whether these efforts will be enough to overcome the negative sentiment generated by decisions like removing chicken tenders.

The Takeaway: Nothing Lasts Forever in Fast Food

If there’s one lesson we can all take from the disappearance of Steak ‘n Shake’s chicken tenders, it’s that nothing is permanent in the fast food world. Menu items come and go based on complex business decisions that balance profitability, operational efficiency, supply chain management, and brand identity.

As customers, we sometimes forget that restaurants are businesses that must make tough choices to survive. While it’s disappointing when a favorite item disappears, understanding the reasoning can help us adapt our expectations.

For now, Steak ‘n Shake chicken tender fans will have to look elsewhere to satisfy their cravings. But who knows? Perhaps one day they’ll make a triumphant return to the menu. Until then, there’s always those classic steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes that made the chain famous in the first place.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been a Steak ‘n Shake customer for years, and I’ll admit I was pretty bummed when the chicken tenders disappeared. They were my go-to order when I wasn’t in the mood for a burger. But I also want to see this iconic restaurant chain survive and thrive in a challenging market.

Sometimes we gotta accept that change is inevitable in the restaurant business. Maybe someday they’ll bring the tenders back, but for now, I’m trying to appreciate what Steak ‘n Shake still does well – those thin, crispy burgers and thick, creamy shakes that nobody else quite replicates.

Steak ‘n Shake has been involved in multiple lawsuits, including a significant class action lawsuit filed in 2024 over violations of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) concerning their facial recognition self-serve kiosks, and earlier lawsuits in 2021 regarding unpaid lender fees totaling over $8.5 million.

Steak ‘n Shake is undergoing significant operational and branding changes, including a shift to a franchised model, a reduction in locations from a 2018 peak of 628 to around 426 by the end of 2024, and a move to a drive-thru and kiosk-focused model instead of full-service dining.