Edwin Balli and Andrea Ayala, who own Rio Pub, will open another restaurant next spring at the Sacramento International Airport. Local Flights Brews and Bites will offer a full bar, sit-down dining, grab-and-go options and the space will include a separate coffee shop. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - A new restaurant and cafe will open next spring in the pre-security area of Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), according to the Sacramento County Department of Airports.

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors officially approved a 10-year Food & Beverage Concession Agreement with Local Flights LLC, allowing the remodel and full design process to begin.

This pre-security location, which previously operated as Camden and Gateway Bar, closed in March 2020 and has remained vacant for nearly six years. Reopening this space became a key priority after completing a complete overhaul of the airport’s post-security concessions program, which will see 18 new dining options open between now and the middle of next year.

With construction of those new concepts now underway, Sacramento International Airport can turn its attention to revitalizing this important pre-security venue.

“Reopening this space aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting Sacramento businesses and enhancing the passenger experience,” said Director of Airports Cindy Nichol. “Travelers have asked for more pre-security options and bringing this location back with local owners at the helm will create a warm and welcoming experience for everyone who passes through SMF. Additionally, these small business owners bring our revamped concessions program to 47% small businesses, surpassing even our goals.”

"The new restaurant and cafe will offer a full bar, sit-down dining, convenient grab-and-go options and the space will include a separate coffee shop. The menu will be created and guided by seasoned Sacramento chef Adam Pechal, former chef/owner of Tuli Bistro,” Nichol said. “True to form, chef Pechal will bring his flair for approachable local cuisine with a menu featuring upscale comfort food, signature pastas and healthy yet interesting small plates. With a wide variety of options and price points, Local Flights will be the perfect place for travelers, employees or simply sharing a meal with friends and family on their way through Sacramento."

Local Flights Brews and Bites is expected to become a comfortable, natural gathering place for travelers, employees and reunited friends and family. The goal is to create a welcoming spot to enjoy a meal or drink whether you're arriving, departing or simply spending time at the airport.

Local Flights LLC is owned by Sacramento-area small business operators Edwin Balli and Andrea Ayala. The group also owns The Rio Pub at 6750 Front St. in Rio Linda and brings strong community roots and hospitality experience to the Sacramento International Airport.

"We are excited about what lies ahead and this incredible opportunity to make accessible Sacramento's rich farm-to-fork landscape, celebrating locally-sourced ingredients, wine, beer and spirits,” said Rio Pub owners Balli and Ayala. “The Rio Pub is ‘taking flight’ and we look forward to working closely with our partners at Sacramento International Airport to bring this new concept to travelers and our community alike."

Local Flights LLC shared their appreciation for the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), noting that the center played a critical role in connecting them to the opportunity.

“Sac Valley SBDC was the primary conduit to this opportunity and we worked closely with them from proposal to award,” Balli said. “There wasn’t a formal class, just a strong partnership and valuable guidance. We’re grateful for their support and excited to bring local hospitality to SMF.”

This project is part of Sacramento International Airport’s comprehensive concessions refresh in both Terminal A and Terminal B, which is a multi-year effort to modernize dining and retail options across the airport.

The refresh introduces more Sacramento-based restaurants, updated national brands, expanded grab-and-go choices, new coffee offerings and redesigned spaces that create a more streamlined customer experience.

Several new concepts have already opened, with more scheduled to debut throughout 2025 and 2026. For more information, visit online flysmf.gov/new-concessions.