Frank DePasquale is “going to make the greatest entrance to the greatest inner-city Italian community in the country.”

To create this entrance to the North End, the restaurateur and businessman is transforming the block of 60-80 Cross St., on the corner of Hanover Street, into a culinary school, cafe, and several Italian stores. They’re set to open next summer.

On the construction site daily, DePasquale is also footing the bill for the North End Historical Museum’s new location on Prince Street, also set to open in 2026.

DePasquale, who grew up in the North End after immigrating from Italy, said other Italian neighborhoods don’t compare.

“I saw that they don’t seem to progress to the level where we are, because we’re just not red sauce restaurants,” he said.

“I actually had a friend o

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