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

Buying the Viral Starbucks Bear Cup

Paden Ferguson and his partner secured the only two Bearista cups available at their local Starbucks. These limited-edition holiday cups, featuring a green beanie hat and straw, became an instant viral sensation.

Scarcity and Customer Reaction

Many customers were frustrated over the small number of bear cups stocked at stores. The high demand caused a rush among fans eager to get their hands on the collectible cups.

Planning and Anticipation

In October, Paden noticed Starbucks was launching new holiday drinks and desserts, alongside the bear cup. He and his partner planned to get the cup on its release day, November 6th, initially expecting an easy purchase at noon.

Growing Hype on Social Media

As the launch approached, it became clear that many others had the same idea. The bear cup was trending widely across social platforms, fueling excitement and competition.

Local Starbucks Stock Check

On the evening before the launch, November 5th, Paden and his partner visited their five nearest Starbucks stores to gauge availability. At the busiest location, a barista reported they had seven cups in stock.

"Seven," said the barista when asked about the number of bear cups available.

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About the Essay

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Paden Ferguson, CEO of Padiano's Kitchen, edited for length and clarity.

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Business Insider — 2025-11-06