Star Burger, located at 4901 SW Eighth St., has entered into a partnership with the University of Miami Athletics as the Official Burger of the Miami Hurricanes, a title that covers all the university's sports teams. The announcement comes less than two months after the restaurant opened its doors on Southwest Eighth Street, just minutes from campus, marking its first tie to the university.
The partnership has yielded the Canes Burger, a double-stacked burger made with 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 Martin's potato buns. It pairs with the restaurant's signature fries or Dillies, both fried exclusively in natural beef tallow. The burger was created with input from Hurricanes star Malachi Toney, who gave it his approval, and was designed to represent University of Miami Athletics in its own colors. Star Burger's Cat 5 pesto brings the deep green, and the crunchy tostón round the bright golden orange, so that stacked together on the bun, the burger comes out of the kitchen in full Hurricanes colors.
Each topping was chosen for the partnership. "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 partnership makes Star Burger the Official Burger of Miami Hurricanes Athletics for the 2026-2027 season, but the Canes Burger is a permanent menu item, not a limited run tied to the season. "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."
Since the burger went on the menu, customers have been ordering it by name. "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 season guests can order one with the game on, as Star Burger will be broadcasting Miami Hurricanes football games LIVE all season long. Fans are welcome to stop in, try the burger, and cheer on The "U" with fellow Canes fans.
The Miami Star Burger is 2,750 sq. ft. and is located on the corner of Granada and Tamiami Trail in Miami. It features interior seating, plus a 750 sq. ft. covered and ventilated terrace that overlooks the Granada stone-arched entrance to Coral Gables, and ample parking for customers. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 am - 11:30 pm.
For more information on Star Burger, visit Star Burger. The partnership could have significant implications for both the university and the restaurant. For Star Burger, it provides immediate brand exposure to a passionate fan base and a permanent menu item that capitalizes on game-day traffic. For the University of Miami, it adds a local, family-owned business to its athletics portfolio, potentially enhancing fan experience and community ties. The move also reflects a growing trend of college athletics partnering with local eateries to create signature items, which can drive revenue and fan engagement. As the 2026-2027 season approaches, the Canes Burger may become a staple for Hurricanes supporters, blending sports and culinary tradition in Miami.
