Cafe couple's recipe for success

"We bumped into each other literally," laughs Dan. "Sue smashed a big jar of artichokes on the floor and it made a huge mess."

Sue was working in the kitchen while Dan was front of house. Neither imagined the artichoke mishap would be the start of a love story built around food. The Kiwi and the Italian went on to work in some of the hospitality industry's most prestigious hotels and restaurants. By the late 1990s, the pair packed their bags for New Zealand, bringing their passion for great food and service with them.

Today, the husband-and-wife team work at Riverstones Café in Arvida Mary Doyle retirement community in Havelock North. Dan is the Café Manager, while Sue is in the kitchen, creating café favourites. Dan is especially proud of the recently refreshed café space, opened by Mayor Wendy Schollum, which has quickly become a popular gathering place for residents, families and visitors.

"Residents know what they like," Sue says. "A lot of them can cook and bake themselves, so they're looking for good quality café food."

While Sue works her magic in the kitchen, Dan is often found chatting with customers, serving coffees, and catching up with residents. "He always stops and takes the time to talk to people and they really like that," Sue says.

Working side-by-side every day, the Marseglias have developed their own workplace shorthand. So what's the secret to making both marriage and working together last? "We don't talk at home," Sue jokes. More than 30 years after a chance collision involving a jar of artichokes, Dan and Sue are still serving up good food and good conversation. It's a recipe that's stood the test of time.

Riverstones Café is open 9am until 3pm seven days at Arvida Mary Doyle, 3 Karanema Drive, Havelock North.