On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, hosts Jose Sanchez and Kate Vargo take you inside the story of one of South River’s most iconic landmarks, Ria Mar. But the story isn’t just about food. It’s about how a building became a neighborhood’s second home.

Owner Rui Baptista walks through how the restaurant began with his father, a legendary Portuguese chef, and how a quick stop back in town turned into a lifetime of service. “I told him I’d help out for a year,” Rui laughs. “Two years are almost up.” Since then, he’s poured everything into building not just a restaurant, but a place that feels like family.

From the evolution of a 28-seat bar to a 600-seat restaurant, to serving up sangria kits during the pandemic, Rui shares how every challenge brought something better. “COVID gave us time to stop,” he says. “We came out better.” And if you’ve seen the new space, you’ll know exactly what he means.

We also get into what keeps the Ria Mar atmosphere so special, how generations have celebrated under its roof, and why no two events ever feel the same. Rui shares what it means to be part of a town that shows up for each other and why he never wanted to take the brand beyond South River.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:07) The origin of Rui’s journey with Ria Mar

(4:24) Father’s influence and community connection

(6:20) What does 'Ria Mar' actually mean?

(8:54) Ria Mar’s longest-standing recipe

(11:55) Community involvement and raising a family

(15:56) What makes Ria Mar’s team culture so unique

(20:37) Why South River is a great place to live

(24:39) Blending South River with a city feel

(26:43) Growth without losing identity

(30:32) Love for the restaurant industry

(33:04) Choosing community over scale

If you've ever wondered what makes a place stick around, really stick, this one’s for you. And if you’ve never been to Ria Mar, just wait until you hear what’s waiting behind the front door.

About Rui Baptista

Rui Baptista is the owner of Ria Mar Restaurant in South River, New Jersey. He began his journey in the restaurant industry after returning from Los Angeles to help his father launch the business in 1987. Originally trained in broadcasting and film, Rui chose to stay in the hospitality world, building Ria Mar into a community staple. He continues to run the restaurant with his family, focusing on quality, community, and consistency.

Connect with Rui:

Instagram

Ria Mar Website

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.