Geno Auriemma's Manchester Restaurant Ready For Phase 2

MANCHESTER, CT — Geno Auriemma's restaurant in a landmark Manchester building will be back in action when indoor dining resumes next week at Connecticut restaurants.

Cafe Aura's dining rooms had been on the culinary sidelines since outdoor dining was allowed on May 20 in the first phase of coronivirus reopenings. There was simply no room to accommodate outdoor tables at the 45 East Center Street.

The restaurant had been donating meals to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Phase 2 is set to commence on June 17.

The restaurant's Randy McMahon said both levels of the restaurant will be open, with a capacity of about 140 guests when factoring in proper spacing.

Auriemma last December announced he was purchasing the former Cavey's restaurant at the top of the hill in Downtown Manchester. It has since become the University of Connecticut and Basketball Hall of Fame coach's culinary showcase after the the announced closing of Geno's Grille in Storrs Center last month.

Auriemma had been part of a group of more than 130 business owners and trade leaders urging Gov. Ned Lamont to declare June 3 as an opening date for limited indoor dining, though the governor did not budge.