Celebrating Revealed by Ricky

Today, we celebrate Ricky Gonzalez—one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in Hudson County. Through his “Revealed by Ricky” series, he has shined a light on countless small businesses, helping them grow and connect with a wider audience. His impact is undeniable, but his story runs deeper than his work. It’s a story of resilience, love for his community, and a relentless drive to uplift the place he calls home.

Ricky grew up in Hudson County, attending Anna L. Klein Elementary School and later North Bergen High School, where he played both baseball and football. He went on to Saint Peter’s University before deciding to leave college in 2018, following the loss of his grandmother, Gladys Petrella. “After I lost my grandma in 2018, I decided to travel the country ending my time in college,” expressed Gonzalez.

Her passing changed everything. It pushed him to travel across 43 states in search of something bigger, but no matter how far he went, one thing remained true—his favorite place in the world was always Hudson County. “”My favorite place in the entire entire world is Hudson County,” Ricky revealed (pun intended).

His journey is deeply tied to his family. He was raised by his grandparents, Gladys and Victor Petrella, who instilled in him the values that guide him today. Losing his grandfather in 2015 and his grandmother three years later left a permanent mark, but their legacy lives on in everything he does. “I do this for them. I miss them dearly every day.”

Ricky often says he does this for them, and for his late mother, Jacki-Lynn Clark, who has been a constant source of strength in his life.

Since launching “Revealed by Ricky,” he has helped bring massive attention to small businesses throughout Hudson County. His feature on Fiore’s in Hoboken has over 1.3 million views, and his coverage of the congestion tax debate has reached the same mark. His spotlight on Sandwictios in North Bergen is closing in on a million views, while places like Mi Bella Islita in Union City and Cuomo and Son in North Bergen have each surpassed a quarter-million. His videos regularly hit over 100,000 views, turning local spots into must-visit destinations.

Beyond individual businesses, he has taken deep dives into the communities of Guttenberg, East Newark, West New York, and North Bergen, capturing the culture and energy that make Hudson County special.

But Ricky’s impact goes beyond food and business. When a viral TikTok falsely claimed there was an ICE raid at La Pupusa Loca in West New York, he stepped in immediately, going to the restaurant, speaking with the owners, and setting the record straight. It wasn’t just about correcting misinformation—it was about protecting a business and a community that means everything to him.

As Ricky Gonzalez celebrates another year, his influence on Hudson County is stronger than ever. His videos aren’t just entertainment; they’re a love letter to the place he never stopped believing in. Whether he’s highlighting a local restaurant, covering an important issue, or simply showing up when the community needs him most, Ricky has proven time and time again that he’s more than a content creator—he’s a vital part of Hudson County’s story.

Happy Birthday, Ricky. Hudson County is lucky to have you.