Star Burger, the fast-casual restaurant located at 4901 SW Eighth St., has signed a partnership with the University of Miami Athletics to become the Official Burger of the Miami Hurricanes for the 2026-2027 season. The agreement, which covers all of the university's sports teams, marks the restaurant's first tie to the university and comes less than two months after it opened its doors just minutes from campus. For a newly launched business, securing such a high-profile designation is a significant milestone that immediately elevates its brand visibility and credibility in a competitive Miami food scene.
The centerpiece of the partnership is the Canes Burger, a permanent menu item designed to represent the university in its own colors. The double-stacked burger features 100% U.S. grass-fed and grass-finished beef patties, smashed to order, and topped with aged Cheddar cheese, a crunchy tostón round, and Star Burger's signature Cat 5 Sauce, all served on toasted Martin's potato buns. It pairs with the restaurant's signature fries or Dillies, both fried exclusively in natural beef tallow. Created with input from Hurricanes star Malachi Toney, the burger incorporates Cat 5 pesto for deep green and a crunchy tostón round for bright golden orange, resulting in a presentation that mirrors the Hurricanes' colors.
Each topping was chosen deliberately. "We wanted Miami Athletics and the Estrella family to come through in the flavors, with the American cheddar for UM and Cuban plantains for the family," said Gianluca Piccolo, general manager of Star Burger. "The idea for pesto sauce came from my own Italian roots, and it ties all the flavors together." The Canes Burger is not a limited-time offer; it is a permanent fixture. "We built this one to stay," said Joey Estrella, president of Star Burger. "Partnering with University of Miami Athletics is an honor for our family, and we wanted to give it something more than a name on a menu board. This burger will be here long after the season ends."
The partnership's implications extend beyond menu placement. Since the burger's introduction, customers have been ordering it by name, indicating immediate grassroots demand. "We have people come in every day, asking for the Canes Burger," Piccolo said. "The sauce is different from anything else on the menu, and they want to try it." This organic traction suggests the collaboration could drive repeat visits and strengthen Star Burger's connection to the local community. Furthermore, the restaurant will broadcast Miami Hurricanes football games live all season long, transforming the 2,750-square-foot space into a gathering spot for fans. With interior seating, a 750-square-foot covered terrace overlooking the Granada stone-arched entrance to Coral Gables, and ample parking, the location is well-suited to host game-day crowds.
The partnership also underscores the Estrella family's deep roots in Miami and their commitment to quality. Star Burger was born from the family's Mt. Pleasant ranch, bringing ranch-raised beef to a fast-casual format. The name itself is a nod to Nicolas Estrella and the family's Cuban heritage. By aligning with the Hurricanes, Star Burger taps into a passionate fan base and reinforces its identity as a local, family-driven brand. For more information, visit Star Burger.
