Geno Auriemma is one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball, but when he’s off the court, he trades the intense competition for something much quieter: running a restaurant. At Café Aura in downtown Manchester, Auriemma enjoys a different kind of pace.
Geno Auriemma Opens Up About Life Off the Court at Café Aura
In a recent conversation, he shared details about how he manages life away from the court, his thoughts on his restaurant, and how much he enjoys stepping away from the spotlight.
In 2019, Auriemma and his wife, Kathy, took over Café Aura, a restaurant that had been a longtime favorite of theirs. Located in the heart of Manchester, the restaurant offers a prime view of the city’s main street and serves traditional Italian cuisine.
The space was once known as Cavey’s, a popular spot in the area, and the Auriemmas knew the owners well. When the restaurant went up for sale, they saw an opportunity to invest in a place that had already become a local institution.
The Auriemmas had lived in Manchester for nearly four decades, and this restaurant represented a new venture that allowed them to remain connected to their community. Despite Auriemma’s demanding role as UConn’s women’s basketball head coach, he has remained involved in the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, although he does so passively.
With a staff of around 40, he is rarely in the restaurant during the week, but he makes sure everything runs smoothly. After every Husky home game, the Auriemmas head to Café Aura for dinner, where Geno enjoys a more relaxed social setting.
The atmosphere at Café Aura is lively and warm, with regulars stopping by to chat, and Auriemma enjoys the chance to catch up with people after the game. Whether he’s sitting near the bar or in a quieter corner, he feels at home.
When he’s in the open area near the bar, he enjoys the social energy that surrounds him, where he can nibble on appetizers like olives and provolone, chatting with patrons.
But when Auriemma wants some privacy, he retreats to a corner booth with Kathy or a few close friends. It’s his way of unwinding after a long, intense game or just taking a break from the high-pressure world of coaching.
Auriemma has always appreciated the small details, whether in coaching or managing his restaurant. During a recent evening at Café Aura, he was adjusting a lamp at the center of the table. He pointed out how the lighting set the mood and explained his philosophy:
“You want it to be dark; let it be dark. You want it to be really light; let it be light. Maybe a little bit dark? Create your own ambiance. It adds another dimension.”
For him, it’s more than just serving food; it’s about fostering a space where people can feel comfortable and connected. It’s a fun project, a change of pace from his usual routine, but it’s still something he takes seriously. His hands-on approach to the restaurant ensures it remains a local favorite while still feeling like a personal passion project.
Auriemma Celebrating Life’s Milestones at Café Aura
Beyond just the restaurant itself, Café Aura also plays a key role in the Auriemmas’ celebrations. In late November, after Auriemma set the record for career victories as a college basketball coach, he and Kathy celebrated at Café Aura.
The event was attended by about 60 former players, along with their families. Auriemma had spent decades coaching the UConn women’s basketball team and had achieved a career milestone that few could match. The celebration was held in the place that had become a home base for the Auriemmas.
A few months later, the Auriemmas hosted another family gathering at the restaurant, this time to celebrate Geno’s beloved Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl.
On that day, Auriemma had already secured his 1,235th career win earlier in the afternoon but still made it back to Café Aura in time for the game.
The Auriemmas’ path to success and the life they enjoy now was not always easy. Kathy fondly recalled their early years, when they lived modestly and had to make do with what they had.
The couple married in 1978 and borrowed money from Auriemma’s sister to pay for their wedding reception. Kathy remembers how they couldn’t afford much at the time, saying:
“If he had given me a diamond back then I would have had him investigated.”
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In the early years of Geno’s career at UConn, the Auriemmas lived in an apartment in Willimantic, using diaper boxes as makeshift cocktail bars.
Fast forward to today, and they now own a trendy restaurant at the heart of Manchester, a symbol of the hard work and perseverance that got them to where they are.
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