Carlos and Deborah Santana Partner With Walnut Creek-Based DSE Corp to Develop Maria Maria Restaurants as Upscale, Authentic Mexican Restaurants

Carlos and Deborah Santana Partner With Walnut Creek-Based DSE Corp to Develop Maria Maria Restaurants as Upscale, Authentic Mexican Restaurants

First Three Maria Marias to Open in Locations Currently Known as The Cantina; Roll-Out Begins With Walnut Creek in April Followed by Mill Valley in May and Santa Rosa in June

Future Plans Also Include a DSE 'Santana's' Restaurant Location

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Marin County residents Carlos and Deborah Santana announced this week a new partnership to develop authentic and contemporary Mexican restaurants in association with the Walnut Creek-based Dudum Sports & Entertainment Corporation (DSE), acclaimed for their high-concept, celebrity-inspired culinary establishments. The collaboration begins with DSE's purchase and make-over of three Northern California restaurants -- currently operating as The Cantina -- into Maria Maria, a new breed of restaurants with genuine yet modern, flavorful Mexican cuisine. The first restaurant to adopt the new name and concept will be the Walnut Creek location in April, followed by Mill Valley in May and Santa Rosa in June. Future plans include other new Maria Maria locations in select cities nationwide.

While the Santanas will not have day-to-day involvement in the eateries, they're working closely with the Dudum team to insure that the same type of passion and feel behind the music of Santana inspires the cuisine and atmosphere of the high end and reasonably-priced Maria Maria brand. Named for music legend Carlos Santana's GRAMMY-winning, #1 single from 2000, Maria Maria, will spotlight authentic Mexican cuisine that transports customers through sight, scents and sounds to the coastal waters of Vera Cruz and Acapulco to the high planes of Oaxaca and the semi-desert in Guanajuato. There will be an emphasis on regional Mexican specialties, authentically prepared with savory flavors and fresh, first-quality ingredients. The brand's unique spin on beverage and cocktails will feature a wide variety of freshly squeezed and pressed juices and exotic nectars.

DSE President/CEO Jeff Dudum commented, "The passion that we have for food and for creating a unique experience really resonated with Carlos and Deborah. I couldn't be more excited about having the opportunity to work with them on restaurants that honor and celebrate Latin American culture, food and music. We're committed to building the Maria Maria brand one amazing restaurant at a time. I don't think there's anyone today doing regional Mexican and Latin cuisine -- accurately and authentically -- in the way that we intend."

In addition to Maria Maria, DSE's partnership with Carlos and Deborah Santana includes the development of a spectacular, flagship location under the banner Santana's (in an as yet to be determined location). Dudum has noted that the on-the-ground experience gained in Maria Maria will help guide the creation of the higher profile signature Santana venture.

Founded in 1997, DSE grew out of a family business to become one of the nation's premiere purveyors of high-end concept restaurants. DSE, a "Restaurant Revolution," brings an exciting entertainment and celebrity quotient into the mix of the dining experience, with renowned brands currently including McCovey's, Bing Crosby's, Joe DiMaggio's and Center Court, an NBA-tribute concept; a boxing-centric concept with Angelo Dundee is in the planning stages.

For more information, log on to www.dsecorp.com or www.santana.com

Source: Carlos and Deborah Santana

CONTACT: Michael Jensen, +1-626-585-9575, info@jensencom.com, for Carlos
and Deborah Santana

Web site: http://www.dsecorp.com/

Web site: http://www.santana.com/

-------
Profile: intent