By Emma Nitzsche
The popular coffee chain Starbucks is facing shortages of vital products as the nation emerges from quarantine. The company temporarily cut orders for at least 25 items on June 4 due to supply chain issues.
Business Insider reported that the list included popular items like hazelnut syrup, toffee nut syrup, chai tea bags, iced tea, and other products. When customers open the Starbucks app, a banner warns them that some of their favorite drinks may be temporarily out of stock. Oat milk, a new and increasingly popular menu item, was temporarily removed from the mobile app ordering options.
“We are experiencing temporary supply shortages of some of our products,” said a Starbucks spokeswoman. “Specific items will vary by market and store, and some stores will experience outages of various items at the same time.”
Starbucks apologized for the inconvenience the shortage may have caused its customers and assured them that the brand is working closely with supply chain vendors to restock items as soon as possible.
Although most stores have been affected by the shortage, the severity varies by location. Some stores experience minimal deficiencies, while others struggle to keep a supply of necessary items like cold-brew coffee and cups.
Customers across the country voiced disappointment in their inability to purchase their favorite beverages and treats. Some customers turned to social media to vent about the shortage.
“It’s disappointing,” remarked a customer. “You go, and you’re waiting in the drive-through, and you’re only going for one thing, and they don’t have what they need to make it.”
But the coffee company is not the only business experiencing supply shortages.
In May, Chick-fil-A began limiting the amount of sauce given to customers because of a nationwide sauce shortage, and KFC struggled to retain a steady supply of chicken. Last week, Chipotle announced that it would increase its prices by 4% to make up for the limited labor supply.
Starbucks assured consumers that the supply shortages would not affect prices, as the company was able to regain the profit lost from the coronavirus pandemic. For now, loyal customers might have to survive without their favorite Starbucks treat.
