Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Muddy Dog Market and Grill

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Muddy Dog Market and Grill of Appanoose County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“Unique and diversified small businesses like Muddy Dog Market and Grill embody what it means to be an entrepreneur in Iowa,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “The way the Sarmentos engage students, veterans, and their entire community, while also providing critical grocery and dining options in the rural Unionville area, showcases the best of what small businesses do to help Iowa prosper.”

A brand-new establishment in the Unionville area, Muddy Dog Market and Grill was founded by husband and wife duo Regina and Darrell Sarmento in 2023. The business offers dine-in and takeout food as well as groceries to Iowans in Appanoose, Monroe, Davis, and Wapello Counties. In addition to the market and grill, the business hosts live music events and offers party rental services. Community involvement is another priority for the Sarmentos. They make an effort to employ and mentor high school students and host special events for veterans. Darrell has also worked for various Iowa chambers of commerce and is a small business counselor at the Indian Hills Community College Small Business Development Center as part of his ongoing work to help other entrepreneurs grow.

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

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