FORT WAYNE – On Wednesday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Steak ‘n Shake, and Northeast Indiana veterans to announce a new public-private partnership to promote VA benefits and services and make it easier for veterans to become business owners.
As part of the public-private partnership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Steak ’n Shake have signed a memorandum of understanding under which:
- Steak ‘n Shake will waive its $10,000 fee under its Franchise Partner Program for veterans seeking to run their own Steak ‘n Shake franchise.
- Steak ‘n Shake restaurants across the nation will promote awareness of VA healthcare and benefits through in-restaurant signage and on their website.
- Steak ‘n Shake will prioritize hiring veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors for leadership positions across the country.
“We are making national news right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today. Steak ‘n Shake is the most pro-veteran restaurant here in America,” said Senator Jim Banks. “And they have proven it with this announcement that they’ve made to waive their franchise fees so that veterans, our American heroes, get the chance to start a business, own a business, and be a part of this great company: Steak ‘n Shake, which is headquartered here in Indiana. As Hoosiers, we can be very proud.”
The partnership builds upon ongoing efforts by the Trump administration and the VA to improve access to healthcare, benefits, and economic opportunity for veterans. Since January 2025, VA has opened 38 new healthcare facilities, reduced the disability claims backlog by 74%, enrolled more than 180,000 new veterans in VA healthcare, and delivered record levels of direct care and community care.
