The Asian Restaurant Industry in Ringerike: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The Asian restaurant industry in Ringerike consists of three registered companies, with a mix of operational and inactive companies. Sales experienced strong growth from 2016 to 2021, before stabilizing at around NOK 2.8 million in 2024. Employee numbers have been unstable, with a decline from 7 to 4 between 2022–2023, but have since stabilized. No bankrupt companies are registered in the industry, but two of the three companies have zero sales. This indicates potential challenges regarding operational security and competition in the sector.

Economic Trends

• Sales: Largest growth from 2016 (NOK 835,000) to 2021 (NOK 3.5 million), with a decrease of 14.1% from 2022 to 2023.
• Employees: Largest growth from 2019 (2 employees) to 2020 (6 employees), but a decline of 42.9% from 2022 to 2023.
• EBITDA margin: 3% in 2023, lower than the top category in the sector (restaurant/café), which had an average margin of 5.3% in 2024.

Key Figures from Hønefoss

• The only active company (Sophas Takeaway) had NOK 2.8 million in sales and NOK 100,000 in EBITDA in 2023.
• Average gross profit margin of 64%, but an operating margin of only 1%, lower than the sector average.

Registered Companies

1. Sophas Takeaway (Askveien 52, Hønefoss)

• Organizational form: AS
• Employees: 4
• Sales: NOK 2.8 million (2023)
• EBITDA: NOK 100,000
• Total debt: NOK 370,000

1. New York Pizza As (Stabells gate 1, Hønefoss)

• Organizational form: AS
• Employees: 0
• Sales: NOK 0
• EBITDA: NOK 0

1. Venner.s Stua Da (Osloveien 33, Hønefoss)

• Organizational form: DA
• Employees: 0
• Sales: NOK 0
• EBITDA: NOK 0

Organizational Form

• 100% of the companies are organized as AS or DA. No companies have chosen the ANS organizational form.

Geographic Distribution

• Hønefoss: The only active company (Sophas Takeaway) is located here, with 4 employees and NOK 2.8 million in sales in 2023.
• Other areas in Ringerike: No registered Asian restaurants in other districts or municipalities.

Potential Opportunities

• Hønefoss is the only active market, but it is possible to expand to other districts in the municipality such as Hønefoss bru, Nes i Ådal, or Jevnaker.
• Increased focus on localization in Hønefoss could provide advantages in a competitive market.

Operational Security and Dynamics

• Bankruptcy Statistics: No companies in the industry have reported bankruptcy between 2016–2025.
• Operational Results: Two of the three companies have zero sales, which may indicate challenges with operational security and competition in the sector.
• EBITDA: Sophas Takeaway had an EBITDA of NOK 100,000 in 2023, but this is lower than the sector average (5.3% margin).

Development Trends

• Largest sales growth from 2016 to 2021, but a decrease of 14.1% from 2022 to 2023.
• Employee numbers have been unstable, with a decrease of 42.9% from 2022 to 2023.

Development for Entrepreneurs in the Sector

• Stable Market: Despite a decline in sales after 2021, the industry has stabilized with 4 employees in 2024–2025.
• Competitiveness: Hønefoss is the only active market, but it is possible to expand to other districts in the municipality.
• Operational Security: No bankrupt companies reported, but two of the three companies have zero sales, which may indicate challenges with operational security.
• Potential Opportunities: Increased focus on localization in Hønefoss could provide advantages in a competitive market.

Comparison with the Broader Sector

• Total Number of Companies: 60 companies in the 'restaurant/café' sector in Ringerike, compared to only 3 companies in the Asian restaurant sector.
• Sales: The broader sector had NOK 144.6 million in sales in 2024, compared to NOK 2.8 million in the Asian restaurant sector.
• Employees: The broader sector had 352 employees in 2024, compared to 4 employees in the Asian restaurant sector.
• EBITDA: The broader sector had an average EBITDA margin of 5.3% in 2024, compared to 3% in the Asian restaurant sector.

Peer Companies in the Broader Sector

• Salt & Pepper Hønefoss As: NOK 29 million in sales and NOK 7.6 million in EBITDA in 2024.
• Kikko Sushi As: NOK 7.4 million in sales and NOK 1.7 million in EBIT道 in 2024.
• Rustad Kafe As: NOK 17.4 million in sales and NOK 1.3 million in EBITDA in 2024.

Conclusion

The Asian restaurant sector is less developed compared to the broader sector, but there are potential opportunities for growth and development in Ringerike.

The Asian restaurant industry in Ringerike has both opportunities and challenges. With a stable sales volume of NOK 2.8 million and 4 employees in 2024–2025, further development is possible. Hønefoss is the only active market, but it is possible to expand to other districts in the municipality. At the same time, it is important to focus on operational security and competitiveness in a sector with a low EBITDA margin. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations and develop strategies to compete in an established sector.