Cat dressed as Starbucks barista steals the spotlight

Kathy Guo and Sam Xie, devoted cat parents, have turned their feline companion, Waffle, into a social media sensation through an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing her in various aprons. Sam Xie described Waffle as "the brightest star in our lives," noting that their journey began in 2016 with simple costumes like collars and bandanas, evolving into more elaborate outfits. The couple's playful approach to dressing Waffle has garnered her over 28,000 followers, many of whom expressed interest in purchasing her outfits. Recognizing the demand, Xie launched a line of aprons designed specifically for cats, inspired by Waffle's growing popularity. He created the persona "Waffle The Barista," leveraging the widespread love for coffee to market the aprons. This creative endeavor has led to significant investments, with the couple reportedly spending around $20,000 on Waffle's barista-themed journey, which includes props, merchandise, and even a custom Starbucks Cat Tree. Waffle has become a regular at a local Starbucks, where she has charmed employees and received exclusive pins. Xie noted that Waffle seems particularly intrigued by the coffee's aroma, further enhancing her barista persona. Meanwhile, Starbucks has introduced new seasonal items for fall, including various pumpkin-flavored drinks, while the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte remains a popular choice among customers, priced between $6.25 and $7.25 depending on the location.