acramento County Department of Airports today celebrated the grand opening of Local Flights Brews and Bites at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), officially bringing pre-security dining back to Terminal B after more than six years. Located on the third floor of Terminal B, the restaurant is open to the public, allowing both travelers and local residents to enjoy the space without a boarding pass.
Local Flights Brews and Bites is owned by Sacramento-area small business operators Edwin Balli and Andrea Ayala, who also own The Rio Pub in Rio Linda. The concept features a full bar and sit-down dining area alongside a separate coffee shop with grab-and-go options. The menu was crafted by Chef Adam Pechal, formerly of Tuli Bistro, and centers on upscale comfort food, signature pastas, and inventive small plates made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
The location, previously home to Camden and Gateway Bar, closed in March 2020 and sat vacant for nearly six years. Reopening the space became a priority following the airport’s comprehensive concessions modernization program, which will bring 18 new dining concepts to Terminal A and B by mid-2026.
“Travelers have asked for more pre-security options, and bringing this location back with local owners at the helm delivers exactly that,” said Harry Barrett Jr., Assistant Director of Airports for Sacramento County. “Edwin and Andrea have built something that reflects Sacramento’s farm-to-fork spirit and its small business community. We’re proud to have them at SMF.”
“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,” said Edwin Balli, co-owner, Local Flights LLC.
Balli credited the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with playing a key role in connecting Local Flights LLC to the opportunity. The SBDC provided guidance and support throughout the proposal process, helping the team navigate the competitive selection process and successfully bring their vision to life at SMF. The opening of Local Flights Brews and Bites further advances the airport’s commitment to creating opportunities for local businesses while delivering an authentic Sacramento experience for passengers, visitors, and the surrounding community.
Local Flights Brews and Bites is open daily and is accessible to the public in the pre-security area of Terminal B, Level 3. For more information about dining at Sacramento International Airport, visit flysmf.gov.
