Ricky's Thai Expands With 3rd Location In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Ricky's Thai has come out of the pandemic stronger than ever and is now expanding with a third location opening in Somerset County.

"Thank you to you our customers for supporting us during the pandemic and before and after. You kept us open and now we are able to open another location," said Owner Ricky Chai.

The third restaurant will be located 80 Morristown Road in Bernardsville with a projected opening in November.

Chai, who runs the restaurants with his wife Leng, said renovations are already underway at the new location.

The third location was chosen because Chai said there are not many Thai restaurants in the area. Additionally, Chai is specifically opening this location to help out his employees who stuck with him during the pandemic.

"This is coming from my heart I want to help people like my employees who helped to keep our restaurant open. I am taking this golden opportunity to help them achieve their goals and dreams and have a better life in America," said Chai.

Chai came to the United States from Malaysia in 1988, at the age of 24, in search of the American dream. He started working as a waiter and then began working his way up the chain of command.

He moved up to managing a restaurant and then with his business partner they opened his first location in Hillsborough at 646 Route 206. Chai eventually took over the business with his wife and expanded to open a second location in the Skillman section of Montgomery in 2014.

Chai credits a lot of his success to his Head Chef Chai Yo Thongpanich who helped to create the menu. The same menu has been named Best South East Asian Restaurant by New Jersey Monthly Magazine for six years in a row.

"We not only serve our customers with the freshest ingredients and brightest flavors from Thailand but also share the pride we have in our beloved country of Malaysia," said Chai.

This year the restaurant is celebrating its 18-year anniversary by offering customers who order online 18 percent off plus a free dessert - fried bananas with code: ANNIVERSARY. The offer is good through Oct. 3.

Ricky's Thai is also participating in Hillsborough's Restaurant Week running from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3.

To learn more about Ricky's Thai, to see the menu, or to follow the new location opening updates visit rickysthai.com or facebook.com/rickysthaihills.

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