Starbucks Red Cup Day Sparks Rush Amid Worker Strikes

UPDATE: Starbucks’ highly anticipated Red Cup Day is underway today, November 13, 2025, igniting a frenzy among coffee lovers eager to get their hands on the limited-edition 2025 reusable red cup. Customers must act quickly as supplies are limited and demand is soaring, with the company hinting at a potential sellout.

To secure the coveted 16-ounce reusable cup, customers can order any handcrafted holiday or fall beverage—excluding the Christmas Blend and Reserve Christmas brewed coffees—through any order method: in-store, drive-thru, via the Starbucks app, or through delivery services. This year, Starbucks has reportedly prepared to distribute more cups than ever before to meet the high demand.

The festive menu, launched on November 6, features popular returning drinks such as the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Sugar Cookie Latte, alongside seasonal bakery items. Last year’s frenzy over the viral Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup, which sold out almost instantly, has added to the urgency of this year’s Red Cup Day.

However, excitement is tempered by significant labor unrest. Over 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers have launched a coordinated strike across 65 U.S. stores, including major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Seattle. The strike, timed to coincide with Red Cup Day, aims to protest Starbucks’ slow progress in labor negotiations, marking a continuation of protests from previous years.

Starbucks representatives have indicated that the disruption to service has been minimal, asserting that most of its approximately 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores remain open and operational. Currently, around 550 stores are unionized, with more voting to organize. In a controversial move, Starbucks recently closed 59 unionized stores under the guise of business reorganization, further inflaming tensions.

According to organizers from Starbucks Workers United, the strikes affect stores in 45 cities, and additional locations may join the action if a contract deal is not reached. Union leaders remain hopeful that the momentum from today’s protests will push negotiations forward.

Starbucks customers and workers alike are feeling the impact of this dual event, raising questions about the company’s commitment to its employees amid a surge in holiday demand. As the clock ticks, coffee enthusiasts are urged to place their orders early to avoid missing out on the iconic red cup.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we monitor the situation surrounding Starbucks Red Cup Day and the ongoing labor strikes.