A lead operator of restaurants within Sacramento International Airport will be closing its final restaurant as a part of the company’s continuous closures, according to a WARN notice issued on March 19.
Lindsay Myers, a spokesperson for the Sacramento County Department of Airports, said the closure is “part of SMF’s ongoing program update.” As a result, SSP America will no longer be at the airport.
“Multiple restaurant spaces are being rebranded and redeveloped to enhance the traveler experience and introduce a diverse mix of local favorites, affordable options and nationally recognized brands,” Myers said.
SSP America, which partners with restaurants within the airport, will cease operations permanently. Currently, it oversees the Cafeteria 15L in Terminal B, according to Aamir Deen, who represents the restaurant workers with Unite Here Local 49.
“They’ve been closing those units over the last six months to a year,” Deen said. “The final unit is going to be closing in May.”
Peet’s Coffee at Terminal A in the Sacramento International Airport on October 26, 2021. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
As a result of this closure, the following restaurants have closed and will be replaced with new establishments:
Cafeteria 15L will be replaced by Midtown Spirits.Urban Crave will be replaced by Nixtaco.Mango Taco will be replaced by Bawk!Iron Horse Tavern will be replaced by Magpie Cafe, Centro Cocina, and New Helvetia.Both Peet’s Coffee locations will be replaced by Wendy’s and West Coast Sourdough.
The closure of SSP America will result in the layoff of 44 employees, including 11 servers, 10 line cooks, 10 shift supervisors and 2 assistant restaurant managers, according to the WARN notice. SSP America has been at the Sacramento International Airport for more than 10 years, Deen said.
Deen said the closure “has been long scheduled” amid a multi-year concessions refresh from the regional airport.
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“The airport’s always trying to provide different options and to provide a local flavor for the traveling public,” Deen said. “We understand that, but it has impacts on the workers.”
Due to a union agreement, union-affiliated workers will move to another restaurant. Their wages, benefits and union affiliation will be maintained, he said. Deen said there is “some safety net in place.”
“We’re working hard with the county and the airport to improve that safety net,” Deen said. “When this happens again, make it a good deal smoother, because it’s just a very difficult time for the employees at the airport to go through this.”
SSP America has restaurants within 57 airports internationally, partnering with 270 brands, according to its website.
Layoffs began at Sacramento International Airport in June 2025, according to the WARN notice.
Customers eat at the Iron Horse Tavern in Terminal A at the Sacramento International Airport on Oct. 26, 2021. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
This story was originally published March 24, 2026 at 2:32 PM.
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Emma Hall covers Sacramento County for The Sacramento Bee. Hall graduated from Sacramento State and Diablo Valley College. She is Blackfeet and Cherokee.