I bought the viral Starbucks bear cup after camping outside the store at 1 a.m. They only had 2 in stock.

I Bought the Viral Starbucks Bear Cup After Camping Outside the Store

Paden Ferguson and his partner managed to buy the only two viral Bearista cups available at their local Starbucks. Many customers were frustrated that the store stocked so few of them.

"We asked the barista how many they had — seven, they said."

The Hype Around the Bear Cup

In October, Ferguson saw online that Starbucks was unveiling new holiday drinks, desserts, and a limited-edition bear cup topped with a tiny green beanie and straw. He and his partner immediately made plans to buy one on release day, November 6th.

Initially, they believed it would be simple — walk into the store at noon and grab a cup. But social media made it clear the bear design was quickly going viral, and competition for it would be fierce.

Preparing for the Launch

As the launch date approached, they decided to check how many cups their local Starbucks locations would carry. On the evening of November 5th, the couple drove to five different stores and stopped at the busiest one to ask about inventory.

"The barista told us there were only seven cups available."

Limited Supply, Big Demand

When the news spread that stores would get so few cups, excitement and frustration mixed online. Customers were eager to get their hands on the cute collectible, but many left empty-handed when supplies ran out within minutes.

About the Author

This story was told by Paden Ferguson, CEO of Padiano's Kitchen, and edited for length and clarity.

Author’s summary: A viral bear-themed Starbucks cup caused a frenzy, leading two determined fans to camp out overnight—and secure the store’s only two available pieces.

Business Insider — 2025-11-06