The Starbucks app is unavailable as the fast food chain launches its holiday menu: Drama explains

by Junna Base November 8, 2024

Global coffee chain Starbucks launched its holiday menu on November 7, 2024, and the company’s mobile app experienced an outage on the first day. Several users reported that they were unable to order through the brand’s online app.

This annual menu launch is almost like a ritual for many Starbucks visitors. Some fans start the holiday season with this holiday special menu. However, the outage left customers frustrated as the app’s mobile ordering and payment features were unavailable.

Starbucks app malfunction

Reports of the app malfunction first surfaced around 8 a.m. ET, which is considered the middle of the morning coffee rush.

Downdetector, a website that tracks online website or app outages, reported a significant increase in complaints about the app’s performance.

Social media users in cities like Washington, D.C. and New York complained that they were unable to place orders or purchase holiday items through the app. Most of them came across messages that said:

“Oh my God, Starbucks mobile ordering is down and I’m about to cry.” A frustrated customer piped up.

Several customers took to social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to share their situation. One such user made a post saying:

“It’s criminal for the Starbucks app to be unavailable the day you skip the holiday menu lol.”

The company confirmed the app problems on social media. But for disappointed customers, it offered little explanation for the disruption. Below are what the company had to mention on social platforms:

“The “order ahead and pay” feature in our app is currently temporarily down.”

The coffee chain also encouraged customers to order directly from its stores. However, no official timeline for resolving the outage was given.

This year’s holiday offering from the coffee chain includes a gingerbread-flavored tea. Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte and Caramel Brûlée Latte were also on the menu. Alongside these drinks, Starbucks introduced a new selection of holiday items.

The merch collection includes reusable tumblers, cups and accessories decorated in holiday colors. Every November, fans expect the menu to feature festive drinks and seasonal goods.

This is a significant event in the brand’s annual calendar. The holiday menu is known for combining familiar winter flavors like peppermint, caramel and gingerbread.

In recent years, Starbucks has made efforts to expand its app and mobile ordering capabilities. Many users prefer to order via the company’s app. However, the app’s outage on the first day of the holiday menu launch caused inconvenience to many customers.

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