BEDMINSTER, NJ — A new Ricky's Thai & Asian Fusion is planned for Bedminster, with the family-owned restaurant expected to open at The Hills Village Center.
The restaurant at 400 Hills Drive will be the fifth in the Ricky's family and expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
Ricky's will serve a full Thai menu along with an expanded Asian fusion menu that includes Malaysian and Chinese dishes.
The opening also marks a return for founder and co-owner Ricky Chai.
Chai arrived in the United States from Malaysia in 1988 and began his American food industry career as the catering and takeout captain at a Chinese restaurant in the same space that will become the new Ricky's Thai & Asian Fusion.
"This location is where I began learning the restaurant business in America, so coming back to open a restaurant in this very same spot bearing my name means a great deal to me," said Ricky. "We want to welcome our neighbors with the food and hospitality that have kept Ricky's going since 2004, and give them a place they can enjoy for years to come."
The Ricky's brand began in 2004, when Ricky opened his first Thai restaurant in Hillsborough.
Existing locations are Ricky's Thai in Hillsborough, established in 2004, Skillman, opened in 2014, Bernardsville, opened in 2022, and Ricky's Asian Fusion in Princeton, opened in 2025.
Ricky remains an owner in all five restaurants, including the planned Bedminster location.
The Bedminster menu is expected to include Pad Thai, drunken noodles, red, green and yellow curries with a choice of protein, and tamarind duck.
Asian fusion offerings are planned to include Malaysian soup, General Tso's chicken, orange chicken and Kung Pao, among other dishes.
Chef Chai Yo Thongpanich, who helped develop the original Thai menu in 2004, continues to mentor the restaurants' chefs.
The ownership team said the dining room is being designed with modern, timeless décor and subtle Asian influences.
Plans also include lunch and dinner service, desserts, catering, takeout ordering online, by phone and in person, and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.
The restaurant is also planned as BYOB, with wine glasses and cork-opening service available.
"Guests have many choices about where to dine, and we will be honored whenever someone chooses us," said Ronald 'Ian' Gomberg, owner and member of the Bedminster restaurant. "We are building this location around great food, thoughtful service and a comfortable atmosphere. We want people to feel welcome from the moment they walk in and leave looking forward to their next visit."
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are planned, with modifications accommodated where preparation allows.
For more information, visit rickys-thai.com.
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