Vertex Hospitality Group brand Ugly Dumpling has announced the opening of its first location in New Jersey.

The store is scheduled to open at 11AM on 1 August at 561 US-1 in Edison, New Jersey.

The opening of the new restaurant will be marked by an official grand opening celebration featuring various giveaways and promotional offers.

Ugly Dumpling said it would also offer free bubble tea to the first 88 visitors weekly for a year.

The first 88 guests will also receive 15% off on their next five orders at the restaurant.

The celebratory offer will also allow all dine-in guests to receive a 15% discount on their orders.

Another opening offer will allow all the guests participating in the celebrations to enter a giveaway for five $50 Ugly Dumpling gift cards.

Vertex Hospitality marketing head Margaret M Farrell said: “Ugly Dumpling is a new full-service casual dining concept and a fantastic addition to our portfolio at Vertex Hospitality Group.

“When we created Ugly Dumpling, we wanted to tap into the historical Shanghai street food movement but do so in a way that caters to the modern palette. Our menu respects Shanghai's centuries-old cooking techniques while cultivating an exciting experience for today's restaurant goer.”

A Shanghai-inspired street food brand, Ugly Dumpling has a wide variety of food, teas and lattes on its menu along with its signature offering, including Xiao Long Bao (XLB), a Chinese soup broth-filled dumpling originating from Shanghai.

Other items on the menu include Dim Sum, traditional noodles, Wontons and some wok dishes accompanied by Shanghai-inspired appetisers and greens, such as Scallion Pancake, Spicy Beef & Tripe and Bok Choy with Scallion-Infused Oil.

Vertex Hospitality Group was founded in 2016 and is the managing partner for various restaurant brands, including Ugly Dumpling, Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, KPOT Hot Pot & Korean BBQ and Kinya Ramen.