Starbucks forced to apologize over Bearista brawls as fans stake out stores for hours
Starbucks’ new drinkware is already beary popular — and they’re apologizing for it.
On Nov. 6, the coffee chain released its 2025 holiday menu and merchandise, including the already-viral Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup, a 20-ounce vessel shaped like a teddy bear wearing a Starbucks green knitted beanie priced at $29.95.
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The novelty cup has caused quite the commotion, with many customers unable to get their hands on one and some even starting fights over them, including one brawl that made the news in Houston.
After fans began expressing disappointment over the festive fiasco, Starbucks issued a public apology in a statement to People Magazine about the supply shortage.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations,” Starbucks told the outlet. “Despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast.”
They added, “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
Starbucks did not return our request for clarification on how many Bearistas are being supplied to each store and how frequently they’ll be restocked. Still, they did say that customers can expect “more exciting merchandise coming this holiday season.”
Before the Seattle-based chain apologized, many fans took to the comment section of their Nov. 5 promotional video of the cup to air their frustration.
“I find it quite disappointing that a big company like Starbucks would release a new collection that clearly generates hype and inevitably, frustration,” one wrote. “I’m sorry, but this time the disappointment has real consequences. There are plenty of alternatives out there, and many of us feel let down.”
“I think I have a better chance at winning the lottery than I do obtaining this cute bear cup,” another quipped.
Some people reportedly went to great lengths to try to get their hands on one, even staking out their local Starbucks stores for hours — to no avail.
“I went to four stores (first one opened at 4:30), saw the barista put out two cups and then right as the clock struck 4:30 before opening the doors, went and purchased both of them before and acted like they didn’t get any at the store,” a user shared. “The other three I went to only got 1 in stock and one store didn’t get any. This was all before 5:30 in the morning.”
“I got up at 4 a.m. and drove to a location that specifically said it would have this cup. i was first in line, they didn’t have it. i drove to four more locations, none of them had it and said they never did,” someone wrote. “If you are going to excite people over this then make sure ALL stores have supply. so many people are disappointed.”
One Threads user claimed they camped out at their local Starbucks, getting there and setting up a chair to sit in at 1 a.m. to be the first person in line to get a Bearista cup. When they opened the doors at 4:30 a.m., she was told they didn’t get any bear cups.
Many fans claimed that the stores they went to were “sold out” of the cups — and some locations were only stocking one or two Bearista cups per store.
“Why do we hype these up, then give stores only 1 or 2 to sell? Our store literally received 1 bear cup,” one person commented.
“Not cool marketing, Starbucks, to only have 1-2 at each store and allow your baristas to buy them before customers. You should have had additional stock for your baristas and at least 10-20 for each store,” someone said.
“Please don’t market something so heavily if people don’t even have the option to actually purchase it, it has the opposite effect of what you are hoping for.”
“Send more than 2 cups to each store; ya’ll are creating unnecessary excitement,” another wrote.
“Basically advertising a non-existent product. It’s really unbelievable,” someone snarked.
People pointed out that the drop “has done nothing but fuel resale at absurd prices, feeding a market that shouldn’t even exist.”
“Please restock the Bear cup. No one wants to buy for $300,” someone wrote.
Eager fans were able to snag the Bearista cup on eBay before it was even officially released for anywhere from $109 to $275. Over at the Japanese e-commerce site Mercari, more Bearista lovers are willing to pay up to $150 for the coveted glass cup.
The Post has reached out to Starbucks for a statement on the matter.
With many feeling defeated by the quest to get a cup and not wanting to pay an excessive amount on a resale site, a quick Amazon search revealed that there are plenty of lookalike options that are cheaper and way more accessible.
In the meantime, Starbucks lovers can still get their fan-favorite holiday drinks, such as Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Breve and the Iced Gingerbread Chai.
Let’s be honest—no matter how stressful the day gets, a good viral video can instantly lift your mood. Whether it’s a funny pet doing something silly, a heartwarming moment between strangers, or a wild dance challenge, viral videos are what keep the internet fun and alive.