science
Steak 'n Shake Appoints Michael Boes as First Chief MAHA Officer
Fast-food chain Steak 'n Shake has created a new executive role aligned with the Make America Healthy Again initiative, appointing former HHS adviser Michael Boes to oversee nutritional improvements. The move follows recent changes like switching to beef tallow and removing microwaves. Company leaders stated the position aims to combine taste with health benefits for customers.
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Steak 'n Shake announced the creation of a new executive position, Chief MAHA Officer, dedicated to advancing nutritional integrity and ingredient transparency. The company appointed Michael Boes, a developer of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and former senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services, to the role.
This aligns with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) efforts led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The position involves overseeing a review of ingredient sourcing, nutritional standards, and preparation practices to restore the original spirit of American fast food.
Biglari, chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings, which owns Steak 'n Shake, stated that the appointment reflects the company's commitment to differentiating itself in the fast-food industry. >"Appointing a Chief MAHA Officer is a sign of our continued commitment to make Steak 'n Shake the great differentiator in fast food.
Michael is ideally suited for such a role, with his deep understanding of nutrition and his experience at the highest level of health policymaking. >"Customers should never have to choose between taste and health. In March 2025, the chain switched from seed oils to beef tallow for cooking, a move praised by Kennedy, who visited a location and thanked the company for its leadership in the MAHA crusade.
In August, Steak 'n Shake began offering Coca-Cola soda with cane sugar in glass bottles. The company also installed large American flags at each location, described as the tallest and biggest allowed by local governments.
February, the company announced the removal of all microwaves from franchise locations by April, stating that quality restaurants do not need microwaves and emphasizing traditional cooking methods. The Hill reported that ultra-processed sugars are found in 75 percent of packaged foods, citing the MAHA report.
