"I'm really pleased that the ones that I knew are coming back," Mr Hutchinson said. They advertised for more staff in Thursday's Chronicle, and had an immediate and strong response.
Neither have owned their own business before, but they will bring a lot of combined experience to this one.
Mr Hutchinson said he was excited by the prospect, and could hardly wait for the cafe's opening day. He's aiming for Monday, October 17.
The couple plan to have Oggies open from 8am to 3pm on weekdays, and 8am to 4pm at weekends. They may decide to cater for evening functions as well.
The place seats 76 people indoors and 40 more in the covered garden outside.
They aim to have Hawthorne coffee, lots of cabinet food, with as much as possible cooked onsite, a night baker to make cakes, muffins and scones, and a menu of breakfast and brunch options.
"Good, wholesome food, reasonably priced, and good service: It's what the people of Wanganui are looking for," Mr Hutchinson said.
He will be the main chef, with another joining him when needed.
The Hutchinsons have re-leased Oggies' Wilson St premises. They have two three-year renewal options with the building's Auckland owner.
Theirs will be a family business and the company is called ARKNC - the initials of their names and their children's names.
The Hutchinsons are from the United Kingdom. Robin did his chef training in Swindon, in southwest England, and his first job was at the London Hilton hotel.
They made the decision to migrate to New Zealand with their children eight years ago. They landed in Auckland and proceeded south, stopping in Wanganui to see the brother of a former colleague.
They liked the place, the schools and the cheap house prices.
Apart from an 18-month stint back in the UK three years ago, they've been in Wanganui ever since.
