A new restaurant and café concept is set to open in the spring at the Sacramento International Airport.
On December 3, the Sacramento County Department of Airports announced that Local Flights Brews and Bites will land in Terminal B at 6900 Airport Blvd in the spring of 2026. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors recently approved a 10-year Food & Beverage Concession Agreement with Local Flights LLC, clearing the way for a full remodel and design of the pre-security space.
Previously home to Camden and Gateway Bar, the Terminal B space has been vacant since March 2020. Its reopening follows the airport’s extensive post-security concessions overhaul, which will add 18 new dining options by mid-2026.
“Reopening this space aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting Sacramento businesses and enhancing the passenger experience,” said Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports. “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.”
Local Flights will be operated by Edwin Balli, Andrea Ayala, and Dneva Waggoner. Balli and Ayala, a husband-and-wife team, also own The Rio Pub in Rio Linda, which earned first place for Bar Food, second for Sports Bar, and third for French Fries in The Sacramento Bee’s 2025 Sacramento Favorites awards.
Balli told What Now Sacramento that Local Flights will feature a full bar and sit-down dining area, plus a separate coffee shop with grab-and-go options. Chef Adam Pechal, formerly of Tuli Bistro, will craft the menu. Known for approachable local cuisine, Pechal will focus on upscale comfort food, signature pastas, and inventive small plates that celebrate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
“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,” the team said. “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!”
