North End Developer Plans Cultural Hub for Community Coming in 2026

Frank DePasquale, a Boston-based restaurateur and businessman with North End roots, is spearheading a significant development project to revitalize a key block on Cross Street. DePasquale aims to create a cultural and commercial hub that celebrates the neighborhood's Italian heritage.

According to a Boston.com report, in May, DePasquale purchased the former Martignetti Liquors site at 60-80 Cross St. He is working with the Italian culinary school Dolce & Salato to open La Scuola in the neighborhood. DePasquale said he has 14 culinary students in Boston on six-month visas to prepare for the North End culinary school's opening.

In addition to the culinary school, the project also includes plans to open several other businesses next year. They include a Neapolitan café, a jewelry store, and a new historical museum on Prince Street, operated by the North End Historical Society. Earlier this year, DePasquale said he would pay for the first five years of the 3 Prince St. lease and construction costs for the museum, according to GBH.

All these initiatives are designed to honor and preserve the North End's rich cultural identity.

DePasquale, who grew up in the North End after immigrating to the United States from Italy, said other Italian neighborhoods don't measure up to the North End. 

“The North End is all family-owned,” DePasquale said. “You will see a family member outside each and every business here in the North End that welcomes you. … Each family member is giving them the double kiss, that hug, that special attention.”