The Asian Restaurant Industry in Kristiansand: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

The Asian restaurant industry in Kristiansand is a small but dynamic sector with 8 registered companies. The industry has experienced both growth and challenges in recent years, with a mix of established businesses and new companies. One of the most notable developments is the increased number of employees, which has risen from 65 in 2016 to 77 in 2025, despite a decline in 2026. At the same time, sales have grown from 15.6 million NOK in 2016 to 30.9 million NOK in 2024, followed by a decline in 2025. The industry has also been marked by bankruptcy, with one company bankruptcy recorded in 2021. This shows that the industry has both potential and risk, which is important to consider for entrepreneurs.

Sales and Employees in the Industry

Sales have grown significantly from 2016 to 2019, with an increase of over 47% from 15.6M to 26.7M. This may be due to increased population, tourism, or growing interest in Asian cuisine. A decline was recorded in 2020 and 2021, which can be linked to the pandemic. From 2022 to 2024, the industry experienced stable growth, followed by a decline in 2025. The number of employees grew until 2025, but declined in 2026, which may be due to economic pressure or bankruptcy.

Causes of Growth and Decline

The growth in sales and number of employees may be due to increased population in Kristiansand, increased tourism, and growing interest in Asian cuisine. The decline in 2020-2021 can be linked to the pandemic, while the decline in 2026 may be due to economic challenges or bankruptcy in the industry.

Registered Companies in the Industry

In Kristiansand, there are 8 companies registered in the Asian restaurant industry. These companies have different organizational forms, but most are AS (limited liability companies). The most notable companies include:

• Raj (Markens gate 6) – Established in 1994, with 46 employees and high sales figures.
• Thai Dishes (Marviksveien 88) – Established in 2020, with 4 employees and lower sales figures.
• Thai Thai Kristiansand As (Barstølveien 35) – Bankrupt in 2021, with 0 employees and 0 sales.

Organizational Forms

Most companies in the industry are AS, which indicates that they have chosen an organizational form that provides both liability and opportunities for growth. There are also some sole proprietorships (ENK), but these have not been active in the industry.

Distribution of Business in Kristiansand

All 8 companies in the industry are registered in Kristiansand, with 3 companies and 55 employees in the city. This shows that the industry is concentrated in Kristiansand, which may be due to the city's population, tourism, and economic conditions. There is no registered activity in other city districts or municipalities in Agder.

Geographical Challenges

Although the industry is concentrated in Kristiansand, there may be challenges in finding the right locations for new companies. It is important to consider competition and population numbers in different parts of the city.

Bankruptcy and Economic Challenges

There has been one bankruptcy in the industry, namely Thai Thai Kristiansand As (Barstølveien 35), which went bankrupt in 2021. This company had 0 employees and 0 sales, indicating that it had economic challenges. Bankruptcy can be a challenge for the industry, but it is also an opportunity for new companies to take market share.

Economic Trends

The industry has experienced both growth and decline in recent years. It is important to consider economic trends and bankruptcy risk when starting a business in the industry.

The Asian restaurant industry in Kristiansand has growth potential, especially with the increased population and tourism in the city. There are also opportunities to take market share after bankruptcy in the industry. Entrepreneurs should, however, be aware of economic challenges and competition in the industry. It is also important to consider locations and organizational forms for the company.

EBITDA and Wage Margins

The most successful companies in the industry have high EBITDA margins, indicating that they have good economic stability. Entrepreneurs should consider how they can achieve high wage margins and increase their economic stability.

Comparison with the Broader Industry

The Asian restaurant industry is part of the broader restaurant / café industry, which has 248 companies in Kristiansand. The broader industry has higher sales and more employees, showing that there is a large market share. At the same time, the broader industry has also experienced both growth and decline in recent years, which can be a challenge for entrepreneurs.

Peer Companies in the Industry

There are several peer companies in the broader industry, such as Bare Studenthus, Hh Sushi As, and Ger Nor As. These companies have high sales figures and EBITDA, which can be an inspiration for entrepreneurs in the Asian restaurant industry.

The Asian restaurant industry in Kristiansand has both potential and challenges. The industry has grown in recent years, but has also been marked by bankruptcy and economic challenges. Entrepreneurs should consider locations, organizational forms, and economic trends when starting a business in the industry. It is also important to be aware of competition and market share in the industry. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find the right locations and assess opportunities in the industry.