RUMFORD — The new Amato’s restaurant will open Saturday at 8 a.m., co-owner Steve Roderick of Oxford said.

Co-owner David Duguay of Byron said he believes the restaurant is a good addition to the town and hopes it encourages other businesses to move here.

“I think the town is heading in a good direction,” he said. “I hope we are helping to set a trend.”

The owners learned at Thursday night’s selectmen’s meeting that their liquor license was approved.

Selectmen said they were excited to see a new business in town.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia thanked Selectman Jeff Sterling for first approaching Roderick about bringing an Amato’s into Rumford. Roderick owns the Amato’s on Fair Street in Norway and said it’s very successful.

Construction of the Rumford restaurant on Route 2 between Waldo and Cumberland streets began in August. There is seating for 40, and the downstairs portion is set up as a banquet room.

“We have hired almost all of our employees and are no longer taking applications,” Roderick said. The owners received 200 applications for 15 positions.

Laura Waugh, who worked at the Norway restaurant, will manage the Rumford location. She grew up in Peru and is familiar to the area, Duguay said.

Restaurant hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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