Sacramento, CA – In recent years, Edwin Balli and Andrea Ayala have cultivated a community favorite right here in town with The Rio Pub. Now, the duo is preparing for takeoff on a much larger stage.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports announced this week that Balli and Ayala’s company, Local Flights LLC, has been awarded a 10-year contract to open a new restaurant and cafe at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
“Local Flights Brews and Bites” is scheduled to open in Spring 2026 in the pre-security area of Terminal B.
Local Roots, Big Opportunity
Since taking over operations in Rio Linda roughly five years ago, Balli and Ayala have turned The Rio Pub into a local staple known for quality service and great food. Their success was recently highlighted in The Sacramento Bee’s 2025 Sacramento Favorites awards, where The Rio Pub took home:
- 1st Place for Bar Food
- 2nd Place for Sports Bar
- 3rd Place for French Fries
Now, they will bring that same local hospitality to the millions of travelers passing through SMF.
“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 the owners 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!”
What to Expect at Local Flights
The new venue will revitalize the space formerly occupied by the Camden and Gateway Bar, which has sat vacant since March 2020. Because the location is pre-security, it will serve as a gathering place accessible to travelers, airport employees, and locals picking up or dropping off loved ones.
Local Flights Brews and Bites will feature:
- A Full Bar & Sit-Down Dining: Perfect for a meal before a flight or while waiting for arrivals.
- A Separate Coffee Shop: For quick caffeine fixes.
- Grab-and-Go Options: For travelers in a hurry.
The menu is being developed in collaboration with seasoned Sacramento chef Adam Pechal, formerly of Tuli Bistro. Pechal plans to bring a flair for approachable local cuisine, featuring upscale comfort food, signature pastas, and healthy small plates.
A Win for Small Business
Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports, noted that this agreement pushes the airport’s concessions program to consist of 47% small businesses, surpassing their internal goals.
“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,” said Nichol.
Local Flights LLC worked closely with the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to navigate the proposal process, proving that local resources combined with hard work can lead to major contracts.
Construction and design for the new space will begin soon, with the grand opening targeted for Spring 2026. Until then, locals can still enjoy the award-winning food and atmosphere right here at home at The Rio Pub.
