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December 5, 2019

Geno Auriemma’s new Manchester restaurant debuts next week

Photo | Winter Caplanson Geno Auriemma’s new Cafe Aura Italian restaurant opens its doors Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Photo | Winter Caplanson
By Joe Cooper

A longtime Manchester restaurant acquired by UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma is slated to open next week under a new brand.

Auriemma announced his new upscale Cafe Aura is scheduled to debut Dec. 10, at the former iconic Cavey’s restaurant at 45 E. Center St. 

HBJ File Photo
UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma owns several restaurants in Connecticut.

The restaurant/bar is housed in a two-story, 87-year-old building that Cavey’s put up for sale in the summer of 2018. Extensive renovations were made in recent months to the interior of the restaurant, officials say.

The upper level of the restaurant will feature a bar selling wines, cocktails, craft beers and spirits, and the bottom level will be used for banquet and meeting space.

Cafe Aura’s menu was developed by chef Erminio Conte, a native of Italy who also founded New York’s Prime 1024 Italian restaurant.

“Our family has always loved the historic Cavey’s building and we worked hard to keep much of its character as we planned the layout and design for the new Cafe Aura,” Auriemma said. “This restaurant really reflects everything we love in food, wine, atmosphere, service and, of course, hospitality.”

Auriemma owns five restaurants, including Geno’s Grille in the Storrs section of Mansfield, across the street from UConn’s main campus. The other four — Geno’s Pub, Geno’s Fast Break, Geno’s Daybreak, and Geno’s Southside — are based at Mohegan Sun casino and resort in the Uncasville section of Montville.

A  second Geno’s Grille in downtown Southington closed in Nov. 2017, after about three years in business.

A Journal Inquirer report was used in this story

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