Changes Abound at North End Restaurateur Frank DePasquale's Businesses

Frank DePasquale is keeping busy in the North End: The Boston Business Journal reports the restaurateur has several projects in the works.

First, he plans to expand his Trattoria il Panino into space next door; he purchased the adjacent restaurant, Cafe Pompeii, which he plans to shutter to make room for the expansion. Next, Mare Oyster Bar will move from Richmond Street to a larger space on Mechanic Street that formerly housed Ida's. The new Mare will be larger, and it will also have outdoor seating. In the Richmond Street space, DePasquale plans to open a new place: Sfizi will be "the Italian equivalent to tapas with small plates, new flavors and a wine bar," the BBJ reports.

The 63-year-old Italy native also has expansion plans in the works for an apartment building he owns, and he is writing a book on running a restaurant. "I'm addicted to work. I don't like it, I love it. I wake up every morning with a starving attitude," DePasquale told the BBJ.