North End Restauranteurs Bringing Eatery To Encore Boston Harbor

EVERETT, MA – Two local restaurant powerhouses will jointly operate a new Italian eatery at Encore Boston Harbor, Encore announced Wednesday. Frank DePasquale and Nick Varano, staples of the North End restaurant scene, will open a 135-seat, 5,200-square-foot restaurant called Fratelli at the upcoming Everett resort and casino.

The restaurant is the first local partnership between DePasquale Ventures and The Varano Group and the first locally run restaurant at Encore, according to the company.

"You won’t find two more proven, respected or well-liked restauranteurs in New England than Frank and Nick. It’s like having a culinary dream team serving our guests," Robert DeSalvio, president of Encore Boston Harbor, said in a statement. "We want our resort to be part of the personality and culture of the region when we open, which is something these two North End icons help us achieve instantly. Everyone loves the character and taste of the North End; they bring an authentic and colorful flavor of the North End to our resort."

Fratelli, named for the Italian word for "brothers," will be located off the main gaming floor of the 3 million-square-foot complex. Its menu will include freshly made-to-order pasta dishes, brick oven pizza and traditional Italian specialties like lobster fra diavolo, veal Milanese, zucchini flowers, zuppa di pesce, risotta and gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

"We couldn’t be more honored and excited to be part of this incredible Encore Boston Harbor project," DePasquale and Varano said in a release. "With over 30 years of friendship, we are looking forward to this next venture. Fratelli will embody the true essence and culinary experience that both of us have been known to bring to the Boston restaurant scene for so many years."

The restaurant will be one of 13 dining, lounge and casual food offerings at Encore Boston Harbor. Sinatra, a Forbes Travel Guide four-star Italian restaurant owned and operated by Wynn Resorts at Encore Las Vegas, was also recently announced.

DePasquale Ventures and The Varano Group have owned and operated restaurants in the North End for more than 30 years and 15 years, respectively. DePasquale's current restaurants include Ristorante Bricco, Mare Oyster Bar, AquaPazza, Quattro, Assaggio, Trattoria Il Panino, Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop and Bricco Panetteria. DePasquale also owns Bricco Suites and SCENE Magazine.

The Varano Group's current lineup includes Strega North End, Strega Waterfront, Strega Prime, STRIP by Strega, NICO and three Caffé Strega locations throughout the metro Boston area.

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