The Sacramento County Department of Airports said a new restaurant and cafe will open in Spring 2026 in the pre-security area of Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has officially approved a 10-year 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 the space became a key priority after completing a total overhaul of the airport’s post-security concessions program, which will see 18 new dining options open between now and 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.”
The new restaurant, Local Flights Brews and Bites, will offer a full bar, sit-down dining, and convenient grab-and-go options, and the space will include a separate coffee shop.
Local Flights LLC is owned by Sacramento-area small business operators Edwin Balli and Andrea Ayala, who also own the streetside restaurant Rio Pub. “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,” they said in a statement. “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.”
