I've seen this strategy work: pick a senior engineer with an affinity for leadership and hire a couple junior people in their local area. The senior person would have the final say on hiring the juniors and co-work with them occasionally.
The company would pay for coffee/food if it's a coffee shop, space/food if it's a co-working space, etc.
The company would pay for coffee/food if it's a coffee shop, space/food if it's a co-working space, etc.