Stonington - The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved permits for two new restaurants in the downtown areas of Pawcatuck and Mystic.

On Tuesday night the commission approved a special use permit requested by Doug Hanson, who plans to open a new restaurant called the Broad Street Bar and Bistro at 59 West Broad St.

Hanson co-owned the former Apizzo restaurant, which was located in the same building before closing last year.

The commission approved a permit that will allow Hanson to operate a 75-seat restaurant with full liquor sales. Apizzo had 60 seats and sold just beer and wine.

The application stated that the majority of the work to the building will involve interior modifications. The restaurant would be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The commission also approved a special use permit for plans by Angela Kanabis, who runs Bravo, Bravo restaurant, to remove a building at 17-19 East Main St. in Mystic and construct a two-story, 5,499-square-foot building that would have two apartments and a 51-seat restaurant.

The commission attached several minor stipulations to its approval, including removing one of the 25 parking spots so a buffer could be expanded.

- Joe Wojtas