Hungry Tiger Owner: 'We're Covid Compliant'

MANCHESTER, CT — The owner of a popular Manchester watering hole, restaurant and music venue sent out and impassioned declaration this week that the business is alive and well and full of health.

"To our friends, patrons, music fans and the general public ... We are open for business," Hungry Tiger Cafe owner Don Denley proclaimed in a Monday Facebook post. "We have done a front-to-back cleaning and, with the help of the Manchester Health Department, we have been deemed Covid compliant."

There will no music for the time being, he said.

"No Live Music for now but we've been here for 38 years and would like to make it to 39," Denley wrote. "So we'd appreciate your support."

In the spring, "the Tiger" was cited for serving customers in violation of Gov. Ned Lamont's executive orders. Police said they received several complaints about the Hungry Tiger operating beyond the curbside and takeout restrictions, authorities said.

A police spokesman said the establishment was "disregarding" a rule designed to promote safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hungry Tiger is located at 120 Charter Oak St.

Denley reminded customers that you must purchase food with alcohol purchases. He said customers must enter wearing a mask and wear one when "moving around in common areas like the restrooms." When seated, masks may be removed, he said.