Cuban Burger

Shami Pizarro - General Manager/Owner

Born and raised in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Shami Pizarro (née Gravatt) entered the local restaurant scene at sixteen. After earning her degree from Eastern Mennonite University, she lived and worked in New York, Charlotte, and Tampa before returning home to pursue graduate studies in education at Mary Baldwin College. Now a full-time teacher, co-owner of a food tour business, wife, and mother, she also runs Cuban Burger with her husband Steve.

Steve Pizarro – Director of Food & Beverage/Owner

Steve Pizarro was born in Florida and raised in Virginia. A first-generation Cuban-American, his passion for food and drink began early. At 20, he landed his first bartending job at Nathan’s in Georgetown and went on to help open and manage restaurants in D.C. and Miami. He later shifted careers, building a successful 20-year path as a healthcare software project manager.

Despite success in software, Steve’s dream of running a Cuban restaurant never faded. In 2008, he returned to Virginia with a vision and began serving Cuban-style fritas at Cave Ridge Vineyard. This led to his first small kitchen space behind Wine on Water in Downtown Harrisonburg. On March 6, 2012, he launched a one-man takeout and delivery operation, introducing the Valley to the bold, comforting flavors of his Cuban-inspired menu.

By the end of 2012, Steve expanded into a full 2,200 sq ft space at 68/70 W Water St. In July 2013, Cuban Burger opened its doors as a full-scale restaurant. Steve admits it wasn’t easy starting out, but his dedication kept the restaurant thriving. Today, Cuban Burger has become a celebrated spot, recognized among Virginia’s Top 12 Burgers, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience Cuban-American cuisine in a relaxed, Havana-inspired setting.