Industry · municipality
The Bar Industry in Karmøy: Current Situation and Future Opportunities
A Detailed Analysis of Companies, Economic Data, and Development Trends
Executive Summary
The bar industry in Karmøy has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years. In 2022, sales reached a peak of 3.2 million NOK, but have since declined somewhat. There are two companies registered in the industry, with a total of 16 employees in 2023. One of the two companies, 13 Humler As, holds a significant share of sales (2.2 million NOK) and employees (9 people). The industry has been marked by large variations in sales and number of employees, with an increase of 589.9% from 2020 to 2021, followed by a decline of 27.4% from 2024 to 2025. This shows a dynamic, but unpredictable development.
Economic Overview
Economic Trends
Sales:
| Year | Sales (NOK) | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 175,517 | - |
| 2017 | 69,806 | -60.2% |
| 2018 | 205,894 | +195.0% |
| 2019 | 902,915 | +338.5% |
| 2020 | 298,999 | -66.9% |
| 2021 | 2,102,699 | +589.9% |
| 2022 | 3,132,962 | +51.9% |
| 2023 | 3,200,095 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | 3,045,603 | -4.8% |
| 2025 | 2,210,097 | -27.4% |
Number of Employees:
| Year | Number of Employees | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | - |
| 2017 | 0 | - |
| 2018 | 0 | - |
| 2019 | 6 | +133.3% |
| 2020 | 14 | -35.7% |
| 2021 | 9 | +88.9% |
| 2022 | 17 | -5.9% |
| 2023 | 16 | -37.5% |
| 2024 | 10 | -30.0% |
| 2025 | 7 | +14.3% |
The most notable changes have been in 2021, when sales increased by over 589% compared to 2020, and in 2025, when sales fell by 27.4% compared to 2024. The number of employees has been more stable, with an increase from 2019 to 2020, but has shown declining trends later.
Companies in the Industry
Registered Companies
In Karmøy, two companies are registered in the bar industry:
- 13 Humler As (Torget 7, Skudeneshavn)
- Organizational form: AS
- Founded: 2018-06-11
- Number of employees: 9
- Sales: 2.2 million NOK
- EBITDA: 15,000 NOK
- Total debt: 537,000 NOK
- Tidens Minde Bar (Holmen 15, Skudeneshavn)
- Organizational form: AS
- Founded: 2013-08-19
- Number of employees: 0
- Sales: 56,000 NOK
- EBITDA: -290,000 NOK
- Total debt: 1.8 million NOK
Organizational Form
- AS: 1 company, 9 employees, sales of 2.2 million NOK, EBITDA of 15,000 NOK.
Business Geography
Geographic Distribution
The bar industry in Karmøy is primarily active in Skudeneshavn:
- Number of companies: 1
- Number of employees: 9
- Sales: 2.2 million NOK
- EBITDA: 15,000 NOK
- Total debt: 537,000 NOK
- Annual sales growth: -26%
- Average sales per employee: 276,100 NOK
- Average EBITDA per employee: 1,900 NOK
Skudeneshavn is therefore the only area in the municipality with activity in this industry.
Business Dynamism
The industry has shown large variations in sales and number of employees over time. The most notable changes have been:
- 2021: Sales increased by over 589% compared to 2020, but this was followed by a decline of 27.4% in 2025.
- 2020: The number of employees increased by 133.3% compared to 2019, but has shown declining trends later.
This shows a dynamic, but unpredictable development. There are no registered bankruptcies in the industry, but the companies have shown varying financial health, with one of them in deficit and with high debt.
Outlook
Development Trends for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs considering starting a bar in Karmøy, the data show that there is potential in Skudeneshavn, where activity is registered. However, it is important to be aware of the large variations in sales and number of employees, as well as the financial challenges shown in the data. The companies have shown both strong growth and declines, which may indicate an uncertain market development. It may be profitable to explore opportunities to adapt to local needs and develop a stable financial model.
Outlook in Broader Category
Development in Broader Category (Bar / Club)
The broader category bar / club in Karmøy has 3 companies, of which 2 are in the bar industry. Sales in this category have shown a more stable development, with an increase from 2021 to 2025. In 2025, sales reached 8.9 million NOK, which is significantly higher than sales in the bar industry (2.2 million NOK).
Peer Companies
An example of a company in the broader category that is not in the bar industry is:
| Name | Address | Sales (NOK) | Number of Employees | EBITDA (NOK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gutenberg As | Austigard 10, 4270 Åkrehamn | 6.8M | 14 | 556.0K |
This company has higher sales and EBITDA than most companies in the bar industry, which may indicate that the broader category has greater potential for stability and growth.
Other companies in bar / klubb (not in bar)
| Company | Industry | Address | Sales | Employees | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gutenberg As | pub | Austigard 10, 4270 Åkrehamn | NOK 6.8M | 14 | NOK 556.0K |
Conclusion
The bar industry in Karmøy shows both opportunities and challenges. With two companies and activity in Skudeneshavn, there is potential for growth, but it is also important to be aware of the large variations in sales and number of employees. The broader category bar / club has shown a more stable development, which may indicate that there are opportunities to develop a more robust business model. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs explore addresses in Karmøy for this industry, where natural development is likely.