June 8, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Kramer Williams

319-266-9994 x120; jen@barmuda.com

The Stuffed Olive Unveils New Look and New Menu

Barmuda Brings Tapas Trend to the Cedar Valley

Cedar Falls – The small-plate sensation that’s sweeping the nation has hit Cedar Falls. The Stuffed Olive has doubled in size and added an all-new tapas menu. Tapas, which originated in Spain, are appetizer-sized culinary creations, perfectly suited for sharing.

“When we rolled out the sushi bar we knew we might be a little ahead of our time, but we knew it would work and it’s been a huge success,” says Darin Beck, owner of The Stuffed Olive and Barmuda MMC. “Now we’ve got an opportunity to bring the Cedar Valley one of the hottest new trends as it’s hitting the country – not 10 years later. We realize we have to spend some time educating people as to what a Tapas Menu is, but as people figure it out, we think it will be another big success.”

Now, in addition to more than 80 specialty martinis and sushi from Soho, which is next door, guests can enjoy 16 new tapas selections. The Stuffed Olive’s menu includes a variety of globally influenced, flavorful dishes, including Lollipop Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto; Grecian Stuffed Shrimp; Seared sashimi-grade Tuna with Lime Cilantro Honey Glaze; Mirin Baked Salmon; and Artichoke Focaccia Bites.

The Stuffed Olive, located in the historic Black Hawk Hotel at 117 Main Street, has expanded into the space that was formerly the office of Cedar Falls Community Main Street. With the additional square feet and a new entrance on Main Street, the venue now offers more

seating in different styles, including comfortable leather couches, perfect for sipping martinis and

sharing tapas with groups of friends. The building’s original woodwork has been completely restored, and combined with ambient lighting, new wall finishes, new carpet and artwork, creates a cozy atmosphere with an old-world feel.

Tara Smiley, general manager of Soho, manages The Stuffed Olive as well. Along with assistant manager Kyle Dehmlow, kitchen manager John Baugus, Bourbon Street’s award-winning chef Brice Dix and Barmuda’s vice president of operations, Matt Smiley, Tara has overseen the development of a menu that will please every taste.

“We’ve worked hard to create a menu that offers something for everyone,” Tara says. “We’re very excited to bring this new style of socialized dining to the Cedar Valley, and hope to see our regular guests and lots of new faces coming out to try our tapas.”

The Stuffed Olive opens at 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The entire sushi menu from Soho Sushi Bar & Deli next door is available in The Stuffed Olive, and the tapas menu is available in Soho after 4 p.m.

“The Cedar Valley is truly ahead of the curve by having the new Stuffed Olive Tapas and Martini Bar among its restaurant offerings,” Beck says. “We’re one of the first to bring it to Iowa, with only Des Moines establishing the trend first.”

Darin Beck purchased The Stuffed Olive in February 2006. He and his company, Barmuda MMC, operate and market nine food and beverage venues in the Cedar Valley.

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