Frank DePasquale of DePasquale Ventures and his son, Joe DePasquale, have purchased Caffe Pompei at 278-282 Hanover Street. The new name of the establishment has not yet been determined, but will likely be some derivative of Il Panino according to the DePasquales. The formal buyer entity is named Trattoria Il Panino Hanover, Inc. Represented by Attorney Bill Ferullo, the proponents presented their plans this week at the June 8, 2015 meeting of the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (see video above).
Proposed liquor license transfers will allow alcohol service to 2:00 a.m. at the new Caffe Pompei (currently midnight) and continue food service until 4:00 a.m. The 2:00 a.m. all-alcohol license is moving from Splash (V-Lounge) in the Leather District to the new Caffe Pompei. The existing wine and malt license at Caffe Pompei has a 12:00 midnight and will be transferred back to Splash. DePasquale will retain the unique 4:00 a.m. Common Victualler’s food service license at the property.
The new operators have taken over operations at the 234-seat Caffe Pompei as of last week. Emphasizing the North End is their home, they envision some immediate changes they hope will improve the cafe for the neighborhood. There already is a new entree-focused menu and they are working toward a limited schedule for late night operations. The cafe will not stay open to 4am every night as it has been in the past. They expect it will use late night service primarily on weekend and event nights. Technically, the property will allow for 7-day 4 am food service at the request of the landlord, indicated Ferullo.
At a recent abutter’s meeting, the Mariner’s House complained about late night double parking and noise. The new operators are changing the food service to avoid slices and small food service in the hopes of reducing sidewalk noise and to discourage brief stop-ins. There will be takeout whole pizza. Another change will be breakfast service starting at 7am, instead of the current 5am. Police details will be requested and privately paid during weekend late night hours. The business plan is centered around meal service, although drinks will be allowable without food as well.
In a vote of 10-0, the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) unanimously voted to support the applications as proposed.
DePasquale Ventures operates several establishments in the North End, including Bricco, Trattoria il Panino, Quattro, Gelateria, Mare and Bricco’s Salumeria & Pasta Shop. The seafood concept at Mare on Richmond Street will soon be moving to the former Ida’s Restaurant on Hanover Street.
View the video above for the full presentation and discussion at the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) meeting. The Boston Licensing Board will hear the application on June 17, 2015.
