Frank DePasquale, owner of Bricco Restaurant and DePasquale Ventures, presented his plans for an expansion of Bricco into the adjoining building at 251 Hanover Street, formerly Peter Nobile Insurance Agency. Mr. DePasquale said, “I recently purchased both 241 and 251 Hanover Street to protect and expand Bricco, my landmark restaurant.” The presentation was made on Monday night, November 8, 2010 to the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC).
The application to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will increase capacity in the restaurant from 120 to 173 persons. This will include 47 new seats, including 12 at a bar. Bricco switches to a “light menu” at night with food served until 1 a.m. With the expansion, a new pizza menu may be offered.
The restaurant’s alcohol license allows for a 2 a.m. closing which will not change with this expansion. The alcohol license is expected to be amended after the zoning application allows for the expanded area as a conditional use.
Attorney William Ferrullo noted that the added space will largely be used to accommodate people now waiting outside, especially on weekends. On a busy night, Bricco will serve 200 patrons and that could increase to approximately 230, according to Mr. DePasquale.
There will not be a second entrance added on Hanover Street. Instead, the new space will be entered through an interior opening from the existing restaurant behind the stairs (see diagram below).
Mr. Ferrullo also noted that Bricco is located in the community commercial district. DePasquale Ventures employs 480 people and this expansion is expected to create 30 jobs. There will be no increase in the kitchen area.
Letters of support were presented from abutters and neighbors. In addition, a supporting letter was noted from Fr. Antonio at St. Leonard Church on Hanover Street. Mr. DePasquale noted the efforts of his charitable foundation for North End non-profit organizations.
NEWNC member Donna Freni thanked Mr. DePasquale for adding jobs to the community. She also enjoyed his recent feature on Chronicle. Ms. Freni noted the charitable efforts of the applicant. Mr. DePasquale said, “I am trying to do my share. I make money here and want to give something back.”
President Stephen Passacantilli asked how the additional trash will be handled. Mr. DePasquale said the trash will be kept in the back in containers. He believes in setting a good example given his position as Chairman of the North End Chamber of Commerce.
Several council members complemented Mr. DePasquale on his operations and committment to the neighborhood. There was no opposition voiced by council members nor the public at the well-attended meeting.
Luciana Burdi motioned to support the application with a second by Donna Freni. The council voted unanimously to support the application, as presented.
Attendees at the meeting applauded after the vote. The diagram plan shown below was handed out at the meeting. The expanded space to be added is on the left side of the plan.
The presentation to the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) on Monday night follows a similar appearance at NEWRA’s Zoning, Licensing & Construction Committee meeting (See Bricco Restaurant Presents Expansion Plans to ZLC Committee). NEWRA will likely vote on the application at its November 18th monthly meeting. Neighborhood group votes are advisory to the City’s regulating authorities. A hearing at the City’s Zoning Board of Appeal is expected in mid-December. If the zoning change is allowed, the process turns to the Licensing Board for an amendment to the restaurant’s alcohol license.
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Bricco Restaurant Presents Expansion Plans to ZLC Committee
Sounded like quite the dog and pony show. People wait outside at Bricco on weekends? News to me…what are all of those people crowded around the bar doing?
Bottom line, let's not paint this as anything more than it actually is…which is more seats for a restaurant to make more money…period. Which is fine if that's what the neighborhood wants and needs.