Grand reopening of Antioch’s Bridgehead Cafe set for Tuesday

Charleen Earley — for Bay Area News Group

The legacy of a 37-year Antioch landmark — the Bridgehead Cafe — continues on with Pittsburg's father-son duo Raul Arias Sr., not pictured, and Raul Arias Jr., second from left, who took over the cafe’s ownership March 6. Now the family-owned cafe is celebrating in a big way, with food, drinks and a giveaway during their grand reopening. Appearing with Raul Arias Jr. are manager Tammy Badley, who worked for the previous owners, and Angel, left and Maiyah Arias.

Charleen Earley — for Bay Area News Group

Tammy Badley, who started out as a food server at Antioch’s Bridgehead Cafe almost three years ago, is now manager and cannot say enough good things about her job or the owners.

Charleen Earley — for Bay Area News Group

Much has stayed the same since the cafe changed hands — such as its abundance of pies, above — however, other features have been updated and refreshed over the past five months.

Charleen Earley — for Bay Area News Group

Angel, from left, and Maiyah Arias appear recently with co-owner Raul Arias Jr. and manager Tammy Badley at Antioch’s Bridgehead Cafe, which is under new ownership and management as of this year.

The legacy of a 37-year Antioch landmark — the Bridgehead Cafe — continues on with Pittsburg’s father-son duo Raul Arias Sr. and Jr., who took over its ownership March 6.

“Everyone gets a free drink and free appetizers, and we’re going to have a raffle for a 40-inch TV,” said manager Tammy Badley. “We will announce the winner that night.”

The ownership transition from the Sexton to Arias family was a smooth process.

“They made sure we were in good hands by the time we took ownership,” said Raul Arias Jr. “They taught us the basics of the business and their recipes to make sure the quality was consistent. We’ve added some of our own recipes to the menu too.”

Much has stayed the same since the cafe changed hands — its old-school charm and vibe, loyal customers, great food, service and an abundance of pies, cupcakes, cookies and cakes — however, other features have been updated and refreshed over the past five months.

Beer, wine and mimosas have been added for the first time in the cafe’s history, and dinners will be back on the menu again as of Tuesday, after the pandemic put a halt to that portion of service. Also, Raul Arias Sr.’s 15-year-old daughter, Maiyah, is making handmade strawberry lemonade during the summer.

Some cosmetic changes have been made as well. From green picnic-style tables to beautiful wine barrel-base tables and cream-white-brown painted pillars, the owners designed a vibrant and inviting outdoor dining patio area and renovated the booths and seating inside.

Also for the first time, in addition to cash and credit cards, they accept Apple and Google Pay. They’re looking into adding Grubhub, Uber Eats and Door Dash next but are still in the research stage.

“We’re redoing a lot of things here,” said Raul Sr. “We’re trying to make a beer garden out in back, and we plan to put in new windows to create more lighting. It’s already nice, but it’s going to be even better.”

Another first for the cafe is making it dog-friendly.

“We really love our dogs, and they are welcome,” said Badley. “We even provide dog treats and water bowls. We’re in the process of adding hooks to the tables outside, where customers can attach their leashes.”

Also new on the menu is the owner’s Hispanic influence on their breakfast and lunch offerings.

“We offer huevos rancheros, chile verde, chorizo and eggs, and we’ll have other Hispanic specials too — like we just had chile relleno the other day,” said Raul Jr.

“I love it,” said Badley, of Pittsburg. “Everyone is so nice. I have the freedom to do what I want. I have great bosses and wonderful customers; it’s just the best all around. The new owners are very nice, thoughtful and so creative. It’s good ownership, and they’re extremely courteous.”

Beyond excited about their grand reopening, Badley is also happy about training today’s employees with yesteryear’s way of service.

“I hope to see everyone at the opening; it’s going to be a good time,” she said. “It’s a fun vibe here, because its where old-school meets new-wave and we’re trying to mesh the new employees with our old-school way of thinking. Plus we have new ideas coming.”

Antioch’s Bridgehead Cafe is at 2415 E. 18th St. Find them online at bridgehead-cafe.cafes-city.com or call 925-757-4774.

Charleen Earley is a freelance writer and journalism professor at Foothill and Diablo Valley colleges. Reach her at [email protected] or 925-383-3072.

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