After Charmaine (Charm) Dupre bought the old Ohingaiti pub a few months ago she quickly set about getting it back in shape and turning it into Charm‘s B&B & Truck Stop Diner.

Charm had been farming for eight years with her husband, but when he died three years ago she found it difficult finding work in Wanganui.

“Then I saw this business advertised on Trade Me, and as it was a home and income, I jumped at it. It was a bit of a mess and it took a LOT of hard cleaning but I opened on Friday 13 October.”

Charm‘s B&B & Truck Stop Diner is open seven days a week, offering takeaway or dine-in food and drinks. Charm has installed a CB unit, allowing drivers to call ahead and order their meals.

“We also have comfortable accommodation available at only $75 a night and that includes a complimentary continental breakfast, and we also have cooked breakfasts available.”

Passing drivers and those who are sleeping in their trucks can also use the showers for a small cost, and Charm offers massage therapy as well.

“If they have aching backs or legs I can fix most problems, just call or text to make a booking. I am also putting in a spa bath so they can have a mineral bath as that also helps relieve pain.”

Charm‘s B&B & Truck Stop Diner has off-road parking for trucks and Charm says she is working on providing a larger parking area.

“The pub used to have a huge car park but the NZTA cut it off a few years ago for the new road. I am hoping to meet friendly contractors who will hard-fill my back section so truckies can park there and stay in my rooms knowing their trucks are safe.”

Charm also plans to set aside three walls in the dining area where owners and drivers can put up photos of their trucks or fleets.

Charm‘s B&B & Truck Stop Diner is open from 5am to 10pm Monday to Friday, 5am to 9pm Saturdays and 10am to 2pm Sundays.

“I want everyone to think of this as a home away from home, somewhere they don’t just pay money over and get change returned without a smile or a conversation,” says Charm. “I know that long days are hard, and if you don‘t get friendly service with a smile, then the day drags.”