Summary
Steak ’n Shake has hired Michael Boes as its first "Chief MAHA Officer," a move that brings the "Make America Healthy Again" movement into the fast-food industry. Boes previously worked for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services, where he helped change national eating guidelines. This new role focuses on using real ingredients and being honest about what is in the chain's food. The change is part of a larger plan to fix the brand by focusing on quality and traditional cooking methods.
Main Impact
This hiring marks a major shift in how fast-food companies talk about health. Usually, "healthy" in fast food means salads or low-calorie options. However, Steak ’n Shake is following the MAHA philosophy, which focuses on avoiding processed chemicals and returning to natural fats. By bringing a former government official onto its leadership team, the company is making a public promise to change its recipes. This could force other burger chains to rethink how they prepare their food, especially regarding the oils they use for frying.
Key Details
What Happened
Steak ’n Shake announced the appointment of Michael Boes on social media, stating that he will lead efforts to improve "nutritional integrity." Boes is well-known for his work with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services. During his time in government, Boes helped create new dietary guidelines that changed the traditional food pyramid. Instead of putting grains at the bottom, the new model places meat at the top of the triangle to show its importance in a healthy diet.
Important Numbers and Facts
The company has already seen financial success from these changes. In the third quarter of 2025, Steak ’n Shake reported a 15% growth in sales at its existing stores. This was the highest growth among all major restaurant chains during that period. The company also reported a 10.2% growth for the full year of 2025. These numbers are a big turnaround for a brand that had closed 200 locations in recent years and was struggling to stay profitable.
Background and Context
The MAHA movement, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., argues that the American diet is full of harmful processed ingredients. One of the main targets of this movement is "seed oils," such as soybean or canola oil, which are used by almost every fast-food chain. Critics of these oils say they cause health problems and should be replaced with traditional animal fats. Steak ’n Shake has embraced this idea by switching its frying oil to 100% beef tallow. They have even used the phrase "RFK’d" to describe their new french fries on social media.
Before joining the government in 2025, Michael Boes had a long career in business and healthcare. He worked for several large companies, including Cardinal Health and Conduent. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. His experience in both the private sector and the government makes him a unique fit for a role that combines corporate strategy with public health goals.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction to Steak ’n Shake’s new direction has been a mix of surprise and interest. Many people who follow the MAHA movement have praised the chain for removing seed oils and using cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in its sodas. The company has also gained attention for its use of technology and modern finance. For example, the chain recently started accepting Bitcoin for payments and even offered its employees small bonuses in Bitcoin. This has helped the brand connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience that values both health and financial freedom.
What This Means Going Forward
Steak ’n Shake plans to continue removing modern processing methods from its kitchens. This includes taking microwaves out of their restaurants to ensure food is cooked fresh. They want to return to what they call the "original spirit" of American fast food, where meals were made from simple, recognizable ingredients. If sales continue to grow, other companies may feel pressured to stop using cheap vegetable oils and artificial sweeteners. The success of this "Chief MAHA Officer" role will likely be watched closely by the entire food industry to see if health-focused marketing can keep driving profits.
Final Take
Steak ’n Shake is betting that customers are tired of highly processed food and want to return to traditional ingredients. By hiring Michael Boes, the company is moving beyond simple marketing and putting a policy expert in charge of its menu. This strategy treats health not just as a side option, but as the main reason for people to visit a burger joint. It is a bold experiment that could change the way Americans think about a standard meal of a burger, fries, and a shake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Chief MAHA Officer do?
The Chief MAHA Officer is responsible for making sure the food is healthy and the ingredients are natural. At Steak ’n Shake, this role focuses on removing processed oils and ensuring the company is honest with customers about what is in their meals.
Why did Steak ’n Shake switch to beef tallow?
The company switched to beef tallow because the MAHA movement believes it is a healthier, more natural fat than the seed oils used by most other restaurants. It is also a return to how fast food was originally cooked decades ago.
Who is Michael Boes?
Michael Boes is a former government official who worked under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He helped write the new American dietary guidelines and has a background in healthcare business before joining Steak ’n Shake.
