Star Burger, the fast-casual restaurant located at 4901 SW Eighth St. in Miami, has entered a partnership with the University of Miami Athletics to become the Official Burger of the Miami Hurricanes, a title that covers all of the university’s sports teams. The announcement, made on September 29, 2026, marks the restaurant’s first tie to the university and comes less than two months after Star Burger opened its doors just minutes from campus.
At the center of the partnership is the Canes Burger, a permanent menu item designed to represent University of Miami Athletics in its own colors. The double-stacked burger is 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. It is served on Martin’s potato buns, toasted to perfection, and pairs with the restaurant’s signature fries or Dillies, both fried exclusively in natural beef tallow for what the company describes as an unmistakable, healthier flavor.
The burger was created with input from one of the Hurricanes’ own stars, Malachi Toney, who gave it his approval. Its colors reflect the university: Star Burger’s Cat 5 pesto brings a deep green, while the crunchy tostón round adds bright golden orange. Stacked together, the burger comes out of the kitchen in full Hurricanes colors.
Each topping was chosen deliberately 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. Unlike many promotional items, the Canes Burger is 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 a Canes Burger with the game on. Star Burger will be broadcasting Miami Hurricanes football games live all season long, and 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 square feet and is located on the corner of Granada and Tamiami Trail in Miami. It features interior seating, plus a 750-square-foot covered and ventilated terrace that overlooks the Granada stone-arched entrance to Coral Gables. The location offers ample parking for customers and is open daily from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm.
The partnership is significant for the local business and the university community, as it deepens ties between a newly opened restaurant and one of the region’s most prominent athletic programs. For Star Burger, the deal provides immediate brand exposure to a passionate fan base and a permanent signature item that could drive repeat visits. For the University of Miami, it adds a locally owned food partner that emphasizes family heritage and American-sourced beef. Fans and food enthusiasts can find more information at Star Burger.
