Steak ‘n Shake announced Tuesday the hiring of its first Chief MAHA Officer, a new executive position focused on improving nutritional integrity, ingredient transparency, and the overall healthiness of its menu items.
Michael Boes will fill the role at the classic American burger chain, which has approximately 350–400 company-operated and franchised locations across the United States. The move continues the company’s recent efforts to emphasize real ingredients in its Steakburgers, homemade milkshakes, and beef tallow fries.
“Customers should never have to choose between taste and health,” Boes said. “When restaurants commit to both, they serve better food and they build lasting trust.”
Steak ‘n Shake stated that the appointment marks a major step in restoring the original spirit of American fast food: food that is simple, real, and delicious. The company stressed that burgers, fries, and shakes should be made from real ingredients families know and love.
The announcement came via the chain’s official X account on April 21, 2026.
Steak n Shake announces the hiring of its first Chief MAHA Officer.
Michael Boes joins SnS in this new executive role, dedicated to advancing nutritional integrity, ingredient transparency, and the healthiness of our products.
The move marks a major step in the Company’s…
— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) April 21, 2026
Steak ‘n Shake has undertaken several changes in recent months aligned with broader discussions on food quality. In early 2025, the chain switched its fries and tots to 100% beef tallow, eliminating seed oils. It also began using Grade A Wisconsin butter from a family farm and offering A2 Milk and cane sugar Coca-Cola.
In February 2026, Steak ‘n Shake said it would remove all microwaves from its restaurants by April 15, 2026, stating, “Quality restaurants don’t need microwaves. It is part of our journey to improve food quality and use traditional methods of cooking only,” reported USA Today.
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Biglari Holdings Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis. Sardar Biglari, chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings, has led a long-term turnaround of Steak ‘n Shake since taking control in August 2008. The brand originated in 1934 on Route 66 in Normal, Illinois, known initially for its Steakburgers and carhop service.
Recent performance has shown improvement. Biglari Holdings reported that Steak ‘n Shake achieved positive same-store sales growth, with 10.2% industry-leading growth in the fast-food category in 2025 — its best annual same-store performance since 1992 (excluding the 2022 rebound year).
Steak ‘n Shake has publicly positioned its changes as part of efforts to deliver “real food” without compromising flavor.
No specific timeline for menu changes under the new officer was provided in the announcement. The chain operates locations in Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where it maintains a presence in suburban markets.
