Geno Auriemma's New Manchester Restaurant Opening Next Week

MANCHESTER, CT — The menu was just about done Friday with an opening scheduled for Tuesday for the latest culinary adventure involving University of Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma — Cafe Aura.

The opening represents one legend taking over for another. Auriemma purchased the former Cavey's at 45 East Center Street in the spring. It is slated to open for dinner Tuesday.

Aureimma owns several restaurants in the state, including Geno's Grille in Storrs and basketball-themed eateries at Mohegan Sun.

The basketball hall of fame coach also has a line of collection of wines.

The owners of Caveys listed the restaurant for sale in June. Former owner Steve Cavagnaro's grandparents opened the restaurant in 1933.

Cavey's last day was May 24 and workers have been making the transition to Cafe Aura ever since. The new look was creating quite a buzz when about 11,000 people were meadering about during the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving morning.

Auriemma was a frequent diner at Cavey's over the past several years.

Two sneak peeks at the menu showed up on the Cafe Aura Facebook page this week.

Here's one ...

And another ...

The full menu was to be posted in time for weekend viewing on the Cafe Aura website.