[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 RECOGNIZING MUDDY DOG MARKET AND GRILL

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Muddy Dog Market and Grill of Unionville, IA, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  Founded by husband and wife duo Regina and Darrell Sarmento in 2023, 
Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers dine-in and takeout food options, 
groceries, and entertainment in Unionville. The Sarmentos opened Muddy 
Dog Market and Grill to provide quality dining and groceries to 
residents of Appanoose, Monroe, Davis, and Wapello Counties. For dine-
in food options, Muddy Dog Market and Grill offers artisanal pizzas, 
smash burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, and weekly specials. The 
drink menu at Muddy Dog Market and Grill is unique, with drinks named 
after the family's ``muddy dogs.'' In addition to the market and grill, 
they also provide live music events and offer party rental services.
  Muddy Dog Market and Grill is actively involved in the Unionville 
community. Regina grew up in Iowa but met Darrell in Sacramento, CA, 
where they both were living at the time. They moved to Iowa in 2009, 
with Darrell working as executive director of the Newton Area Chamber 
of Commerce from 2010 until 2014 and the Des Moines West Side Chamber 
of Commerce from 2017 until 2021. In addition to running Muddy Dog 
Market and Grill with his wife, Darrell serves as a small business 
counselor at the Indian Hills Community College Small Business 
Development Center. In this position, he helps other small businesses 
grow and develop. Prior to owning and running Muddy Dog Market and 
Grill, Regina spent years working in restaurants and as a behavioral 
health professional. The Sarmentos are actively involved in their 
church, using the proceeds from their recycled bottles to benefit youth 
services. Muddy Dog Market and Grill actively employs high school 
students in the Moravia and Moulton-Udell School Districts. The 
Sarmentos serve as mentors to the students, helping the next generation 
gain practical skills in the workplace. This Veterans Day, Muddy Dog 
Market and Grill offered a Vets Dine Free Day, with live music and free 
meals for local veterans.
  Muddy Dog Market and Grill's commitment to providing quality food and 
groceries at great prices in Unionville, IA, is clear. I want to 
congratulate Regina and Darrell Sarmento and the entire team at Muddy 
Dog Market and Grill for their continued dedication to south central 
Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and 
success.

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