RUMFORD — Kevin Kaulback confirmed Tuesday that he signed the final paperwork to purchase Hotel Rumford.

Workers were beginning renovations to the 14-room hotel on Canal Street by mid-morning.

The hotel, which has a bar and pub on the main floor, was previously owned by Doug Schneider and Dawn Allen, and had been for sale off and on for a few years, Kaulback of Rumford said.

Owning a sports bar is something he has always wanted to do, he said. He credited a silent partner with helping make his dream come true.

Kaulback’s girlfriend, Leah McKay of Rumford, said she has a business degree and will manage the hotel.

Kaulback is also the technology director for Regional School Unit 10.

Plans include adding a new bar, moving restrooms to the back of the building, removing pool tables to provide more seating, free Wi-Fi, and having a full-time cook.

“We should be able to seat about 80 people,” Kaulback said.

He said the bar would be serving pub-style food and they have plans to be open seven days a week but are still working on hours of operation.

“We are going to be adding a bunch of flat screen televisions,” he said. “We also will be having buzz trivia similar to what Gippers (Sports Grill) or Buffalo Wild Wings in Auburn has.”

Kaulback said he has hired the five employees he needs to run the bar and hotel.

He said if renovations and the permit process go as planned he hopes to open Feb. 1.