The owner of the Phantoms hockey team and Phantom Fireworks is looking to expand his business within Youngstown.

Bruce Zoldan told 21 News that his business has been approved for sports betting Wednesday by the state at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, and along with that, and is working with Covelli JAC management and the city of Youngstown to add an additional brand-name franchise restaurant to the facility.

Michael Podolsky, Deputy General Counsel at Phantom Fireworks said "It's going to be a great opportunity for downtown, for bringing people downtown, for also expanding the experience of what currently exists at the Covelli Centre.." and to the shows and events throughout the year.

Podolsky said that while they are still working through the plans, but are looking to build a full-service restaurant with some outdoor seating and two bars inside the entertainment facility and an area dedicated to sports book betting.

He said they are negotiating with a sports gaming partner and a restaurant franchise partner, but they are currently working with an architect and the city to approve the plan.

The addition to the Covelli Centre would include inside access for guests of the facility but access from the outside for people to enjoy the restaurant and offerings without attending events.

The decision on the restaurant Podolsky said is still down the road, but the gambling aspect will be a full betting service, allowing wagering on sports through kiosks or from a betting window.

"We want to make sure we do it right with the opportunity that we have ... bring something meaningful downtown, new to downtown, that people will enjoy," Podolsky said.