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.

Welcome to The Jersey Link Podcast, where we get past the listings and into the life of Central Jersey. Host Jose Sanchez sits down with someone who’s been part of South River’s story since day one, Mayor Peter Guindi.

From helping out as a high schooler to leading the town through major redevelopment, Mayor Guindi shares how his roots in South River shaped his mission. “Just because you live in South River doesn’t mean you know South River,” he says. And with every story he tells, you see how deep that meaning runs.

He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the new supermarket project, the big dreams for Main Street, and a vision to bring life back to the riverfront. But the real heart of the episode is how Peter sees his town, not through politics, but through people.

You’ll also hear about how South River is attracting new businesses, reviving old traditions like the car show, and building new spaces for kids to grow up and play. And yes, there’s even a story about NFL legends and Portuguese food along the way.

Here are the key takeaways:

(1:12) Path to mayorship

(3:56) Embracing criticism in politics

(5:55) Post-Sandy recovery and innovation

(8:48) Lasting impact through service

(13:24) Revitalizing Main Street

(16:13) Supporting small businesses

(18:59) Preserving historical legacy

(22:15) Enhancing community spaces

(26:28) Promoting South River living

(27:45) Fostering community pride

Pull up a chair. This one’s for anyone who believes that a strong community doesn’t just happen, it’s built. One park, one project, and one neighbor at a time.

Tune in to hear what South River is really all about, straight from the people building it.

About Peter Guindi

Peter Guindi is the Mayor of South River and has been active in local government since 1999. His work began on the planning board and expanded to the Economic Development Commission and the council. He was elected mayor in 2023 and is now serving his first term.

The Mayor focuses on redevelopment, small business growth, and expanding community spaces throughout the town. His leadership is rooted in long-standing service and a deep connection to South River.

Connect with Peter:

Email & Phone Details

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

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.