Latest update:November 08, 2025 at 4:07 PM EST

Videos showed people lining up hours before opening, engaging in heated verbal altercations and sometimes even shoving each other, all in hopes of getting a Berista cup.

The Bearista Cup is priced at $29.95 (roughly Rs. 2,654). (Image source: X)

Starbucks created a frenzy this week with the launch of its 2025 holiday menu, and it’s all thanks to a limited edition collectible: the Bearista mug, which is shaped like a teddy bear and topped with a green beanie cap. The cup was an instant hit, sending fans rushing to stores to get one. Priced at $29.95 (roughly Rs. 2,654), it caused chaos almost immediately after it was revealed on Instagram on November 5.

Along with the Bearista Mug, Starbucks also brought back fan-favorite drinks like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, and Iced Gingerbread Chai. While these drinks were a treat for regular customers, it was the collectible mug that caused chaos in real life.

Berista madness breaks out

Videos captured the chaotic scenes. On the website

In one video, a customer asked, “Why should I give up my cup?” Another voice answered: “Because she gave you the one meant for a girl.”

In a separate clip, a woman at the desk said: “I swore,” and another responded: “I did.” Another clip also shows a cup being thrown at another person.

Fox Business reported that in Harris County, Texas, law enforcement was called when customers began fighting inside a Starbucks and refused to leave. The dispute reportedly started over Berista cups.

Fans speak out: ‘I just want the trophy, not the chaos’

Customers also expressed their disappointment on social media.

“I woke up at 4 a.m. and went to a location that specifically said it would have this cup. I was first in line, and they didn’t have this cup. I went to four other locations, and none of them had this cup and they said they never did. If you’re going to impress people with this, make sure all stores have a supply. A lot of people were disappointed,” one user wrote under a Starbucks promotional video.

Another said: “Just wondering why they’re making such a big deal out of it if there’s obviously only two cups available in each store.”

“Dear Starbucks, maybe next time, think about customer loyalty instead of artificial scarcity. Some of us just wanted the cup, not the mess,” another person commented.

“I got to my Starbucks at 5:02am and they were sold out. They opened at 5am. They only had 2 bears – is that right? I just went to 2 other Starbucks within 24 minutes of opening the doors and they were sold out too. One only got 1 bear and the other had 2 bears. So, 3 Starbucks went too and I got nothing. It’s ridiculous that stores will send you 1 or only 2 bears!!!!!!!!!!!” Another customer said.

Starbucks apologizes

After the chaos, Starbucks issued an apology. “The excitement for our merchandise has exceeded our greatest expectations, and although Bearista cups have been shipped to coffee shops more than almost any other merchandise this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items have sold out quickly. We understand that many customers have been excited about the Bearista cup and we apologize for the disappointment this may have caused,” a Starbucks spokesperson told FOX Business.

Bearista hits the resale market

The madness didn’t stop at the stores. Within a day of the release, several Bearista mugs appeared on resale sites like eBay with some listed for as much as $500 (about Rs 44,300), Yahoo News reported.

Staff

The team of writers at News18.com bring you stories about what’s buzzing on the internet while exploring science, cricket, technology, sex, Bollywood and culture.

The team of writers at News18.com bring you stories about what’s buzzing on the internet while exploring science, cricket, technology, sex, Bollywood and culture.

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