Starbucks is speaking out after the limited release of its holiday “Bearista Cold Cup” caused chaos and disappointment at several cafes, including some spots in New York City.
The 20-ounce cup — which sells for $29.95 — is shaped like a classic teddy bear wearing a green Starbucks beanie, its cuteness immediately capturing the hearts of coffee lovers online. It was among the festive drinkware rolled out earlier this week alongside the coffee giant’s holiday menu, which also includes the return of the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée lattes.
On Thursday, customers flocked to Starbucks, some of them queuing up in the early hours of the morning in a bid to get their hands on a bear. By 4:50 a.m., a line had formed outside the Starbucks located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, according to TODAY.com.
Within hours of opening, the novelty cup was completely sold-out, just like at other locations across the country, including at a cafe just outside of Houston. The lack of the Bearista cups there triggered an all-out brawl, which only ended when police arrived and restored the peace.
Videos shared on TikTok captured some of the mayhem prompted by the sold-out tumblers. In one clip, a trio of customers can be seen attempting wrestle a Bearista out of each others hands, knocking the tiny beanie off its head in the process. Another frustrated customer claimed Starbucks workers bought out the supply of cups before the doors to their store even opened.
Starbucks on Friday was forced to respond to the fervor sparked by the Bearista cup.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and 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,” the Seattle-based coffee chain said in an emailed statement. “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
