The Abridged version:

Inspectors found structural damage, asbestos and mold at Aviator’s Restaurant while it was undergoing renovations.

The restaurant is known for its breakfast items such as omelets, pancakes and French toast.

Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy says he will seek community input once the project scope and engineering report is complete.

Aviator’s Restaurant at Sacramento Executive Airport could be closed for up to two years as the airport works on upgrades inside the restaurant and addresses newly discovered structural issues.  

On Sunday, Sacramento County Department of Airports announced that significant issues were discovered during construction including “deteriorating flooring, water intrusion and underlying structural damage.” Upon further evaluation, inspectors found “mold in multiple areas,” “asbestos from legacy flooring materials” and “compromised concrete reinforced by deteriorating rebar beneath the kitchen floor.” 

Repairs will require removal of damaged materials and reconstruction of the affected foundation. This includes “locating and tying into at least 18 inches of uncompromised rebar.” 

Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, whose district includes the airport, also said that significant deterioration of the rebar affects not only Aviator’s but “the entire 77-year-old terminal building and tower.” 

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Kennedy said that he and the county are working closely with the Aviator’s owner “to come to an agreement that is fair to him under these unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances.” Kennedy said he will host a community meeting to answer questions and seek input once the project scope and engineering report is finalized. 

Popular family restaurant

Aviator’s Restaurant is known for its breakfast items such as omelets, pancakes and French toast. They also serve salads, sandwiches and burgers. Diners can watch small planes take off and land from the restaurant’s expansive windows, and the interior is decorated with dozens of model airplanes.

In 2024, thousands of community members came out in support of Aviator’s after the county opened proposals for a new restaurant in its place after 25 years. Nearly 4,400 people signed a petition led by the Save Aviator’s Committee asking the Department of Airports to renew Aviator’s lease. The county eventually dropped the request for new restaurant proposals and worked to extend the lease with Aviator’s. 

Shelley Ho is a producer with PBS KVIE and a visual journalist with Abridged.