Unfortunate Sacramento Restaurant Set To Permanently Close

Photo byJay WenningtononUnsplash

You might be sadden to hear that Rio City Cafe, a 30-year-old riverfront restaurant, will close its doors Saturday, according to Fox Buisiness, after failing to reach an agreement with the city over deck repairs. The restaurant's owners, Mark and Stephanie Miller, announced the closure on Instagram, citing the city's refusal to repair the deck, which accounted for over 200 seats.

The city had deemed the deck structurally unsafe.Mayor Darrell Steinberg attempted to intervene, but the owners decided to close due to significant income loss. "We have no restaurant without our patio," Stephanie Miller said.

The city offered to build a front outside dining area, but the owners argued it wouldn't replace riverfront seating. The city's economic development staff recommended soliciting proposals for the site, including from the Millers.

The closure marks the end of a 30-year run for Rio City Cafe, a staple of Sacramento's riverfront. The owners expressed gratitude to customers and employees, saying they are "heartbroken to leave this beautiful location."