In addition to the release of their much anticipated holiday menu, Starbucks is in the midst of a controversial viral moment: the Bearista. The release of this limited-edition cup has caused a mass disagreement surrounding its hype, where some are fighting to get their hands on one while others are laughing at how comical the drama actually is. Because the item is in such high demand already, many are waiting to see if Starbucks will announce the possibility of a restock. Between baristas pocketing the bears for themselves, lucky customers reselling theirs on Ebay, and content creators recreating the cup at home, we’re wondering if Starbucks will let this highly entertaining yet crazy situation happen again.
What even is the Bearista?
Starbucks announced the release of the limited-edition Bearista in tandem with their holiday menu, and the $30 20-ounce cup grabbed the attention of coffee lovers instantly. The Bearista is shaped like a bear and has a green Starbucks beanie. However, what was supposed to be a fun and festive special at the popular coffee chain turned into a viral nightmare. Starbucks customers all over the nation were recorded fighting with each other, arguing with the baristas, and camping outside of the cafes in hopes of getting a bearista while supplies last.
Will there be a Bearista restock?
The main question from Starbucks lovers is quite obvious: will the Bearista ever be restocked? Fans were very let down by the lack of supplies in-store, especially due to Starbucks’ big hype surrounding the Bearista launch. Some cafes sold out before their doors even opened, and others only had one to three bears in total. This made it almost impossible for even the earliest campers to get one and has sparked accusations against baristas possibly buying the bears for themselves. Starbucks has already released a statement claiming they’re fully sold out, and there are currently no plans for a restock before the holiday season.
The Starbucks team almost immediately apologized and addressed the concerns of their loyal followers. “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,” they said in a statement to People. Starbucks has also promised to release more new and exciting holiday items this season, but there is currently no clarification on what those actually are.
Where can I get a Bearista now?
The few who did manage to snag one of these highly desired cups are already reselling them online. Through sites like Ebay, Bearistas are already being resold and listed at much a higher amount than the original $30. Some listing prices surpass $300, which continues the cycle of exclusivity surrounding the cup. With no current chance of a restock and steep pricing, the Bearistas are now even more impossible to get.
How can I make a Bearista myself?
Frustration surrounding this launch has also manifested as creativity, and some Starbucks goers are making their own Bearistas at home. Using nearly empty honey jars, popular content creators like Emma Topp are brewing espresso directly in the packaging, which is conveniently shaped like a bear. From there, it becomes easily customizable and reusable, giving fans a DIY bearista that is easier to get, cheaper to make, and better to travel with!