Starbucks Red Cup Day Sparks Rush Amid Strikes Nationwide

UPDATE: Today, November 13, 2025, Starbucks officially launched its highly anticipated Red Cup Day, igniting a frenzy for the limited-edition reusable red cup. Customers are urged to act fast as supplies are limited and demand is surging.

The promotion allows customers to receive the coveted 16-ounce red cup with the purchase of any handcrafted holiday or fall beverage, excluding the Starbucks Christmas Blend and Starbucks Reserve Christmas brewed coffees. Orders can be placed in-store, at the drive-thru, via the Starbucks app, or through food delivery services.

Starbucks’ festive season menu, which debuted on November 6, features fan-favorite drinks such as the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée Latte, alongside seasonal bakery items. The company promises to “give away more cups than ever before,” responding to previous merchandise sell-outs, including the viral Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup.

Despite the excitement, more than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers have launched strikes across 65 U.S. stores, coinciding with Red Cup Day. This coordinated effort aims to protest the company’s slow progress in labor negotiations, echoing similar actions from previous years. Strikes are reported in major cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle.

Starbucks representatives stated that the disruption to customer service has been minimal. However, union leaders remain hopeful that this year’s strike will push negotiations forward. As of now, around 550 of Starbucks’ approximately 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores are unionized.

Starbucks is assuring customers that most locations will remain open and operational as they anticipate a rush for the Red Cups. Given the historical context of past promotions, potential customers are advised to place their orders early to avoid disappointment.

As the rush for the Red Cup unfolds amid labor protests, Starbucks faces a dual challenge: meeting customer demand while addressing labor conditions. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story evolves.