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Starbucks is reeling from the coffee cup shortage caused by labor shortages at domestic paper mills and weather-related resin production delays in Texas, prompting it to plan to serve coffee in unbranded cups.
Worker shortages are also hindering the production of plastic cups and lids.
A Starbucks spokesperson confirmed that select stores are experiencing a temporary shortage of hot cups and may serve beverages in unbranded cups.
The spokesperson apologized for the inconvenience and assured that it is working quickly and closely with their supply chain vendors to restock items as soon as possible.
Starbucks also noted that leftover holiday cups, which would normally be pulled by this time, are helping to fill shortages.
The problem occurred at a time when the pandemic caused demand for takeout packaging like disposable cups to surge, increasing its prices.
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According to Khari Parker, co-owner of Connie's Chicken and Waffles in Baltimore, he was paying 70 percent more for cups than he was last year.
