Starbucks recently unveiled its 2024 fall menu, featuring the highly anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte. Among the excited fans is Waffle, an 8-year-old female orange tabby cat from Santa Clara, California, who has gained social media fame for her adorable outfits. Waffle’s owners, Kathy Guo and Sam Xie, created an Instagram account for her and have been sharing pictures of her in various aprons for years.
Sam Xie describes Waffle as the “brightest star” in their lives, treating her like their own child. They started dressing Waffle up when she was young, initially just for fun. However, as they shared photos online, Waffle’s popularity grew, with over 28,000 followers to date. Many fans began asking where they could purchase the outfits Waffle was wearing, leading Xie to start selling aprons online.
The idea of “Waffle The Barista” was born, featuring Waffle in aprons to create the illusion of her making coffee. Xie and Guo have invested up to $20,000 in Waffle’s journey to becoming a barista, including props, coffee, aprons, merchandise, and even a custom Starbucks Cat Tree costing $2,000. Waffle has become a frequent customer at a local Starbucks, where she has received employee-only pins from staff.
If Waffle were to order a drink from Starbucks, Xie believes she would choose the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Iced Shaken Espresso. The coffee-loving cat has garnered attention for her unique outfits and charming personality, making her a beloved figure on social media. With her growing popularity, Waffle has become a symbol of joy and creativity for her followers.
In addition to Waffle’s excitement, Starbucks fans eagerly awaited the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which hit shelves on August 21. The fall menu also includes classics like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato. New additions for 2024 include the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte, and Iced Honey Apple Almondmilk Flat White.
Prices for Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte vary by location, ranging from $6.25 in Texas to $7.25 in New York City for a grand size. The seasonal favorite has become a staple for many coffee enthusiasts, signaling the arrival of autumn. As customers flock to Starbucks to enjoy their fall favorites, Waffle continues to capture hearts with her adorable barista outfits and playful demeanor.
Overall, Starbucks’ 2024 fall menu promises a mix of classic and new flavors to delight customers. The return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte marks the beginning of the fall season, bringing warmth and comfort to coffee lovers everywhere. Waffle’s unique presence adds a touch of whimsy to the seasonal excitement, reminding us to embrace joy and creativity in all that we do.
