The Bar Industry in Kristiansund: Current Situation and Future Outlook

The bar industry in Kristiansund has shown both strong growth and challenges in recent years. With 3 registered companies and 66 employees in 2025, the industry is relatively small, but with a significant increase in the number of employees (from 18 in 2024 to 65 in 2026). The most significant player is Zinatra As, which dominates with 39 employees and operating income of 22 million Norwegian kroner. At the same time, data shows that the industry has been marked by large fluctuations, with a sales decline of 100% from 2020 to 2021, followed by a gradual increase in 2024. This shows both vulnerability and potential for future development.

Economic Trends

Sales have shown large fluctuations: from 6.7 million Norwegian kroner in 2016 to a low point of 0 kroner in 2021, before a gradual increase to 6.5 million kroner in 2024. Number of employees has been more stable, with a significant increase from 18 in 2024 to 65 in 2026. This growth is likely due to the establishment of Under Bar As in 2025 and Zinatra As' expansion. The EBITDA margin is at 1%, showing that the industry has a relatively low wage margin, but high operating profit per employee (10,400 kroner).

Key Players in the Industry

Zinatra As (Skolegata 6) is the most significant player with 39 employees, 22 million Norwegian kroner in operating income, and 408,000 kroner in EBITDA. Hjørnet Bardrift As (Storgata 7) and Under Bar As (Kaibakken 2) are newer companies, but have not yet reported sales or operating income. The organizational form for all companies is AS, indicating that the industry consists of relatively large, established businesses. There are no actors in the form of sole proprietorships or partnerships.

Geographic Distribution

All 3 companies in the industry are located in Kristiansund. There is no sub-division of activity to other city districts or municipalities. This suggests that the bar industry in Kristiansund is concentrated in the city center, which can be an advantage for collaboration and customer contact, but also a risk in the event of local challenges.

Operational Dynamics and Bankruptcy Statistics

None of the companies in the industry have gone bankrupt, showing relative stability. However, Hjørnet Bardrift As and Under Bar As have not yet reported sales or operating income, which may indicate challenges with establishment or market share. Zinatra As has, however, shown strong growth in sales (97% from 2024 to 2025) and employees (from 35 in 2024 to 65 in 2026). This shows that there is potential for growth, but also risk that new establishments may not achieve the same level.

Future Outlook for Entrepreneurs

The bar industry in Kristiansund shows both opportunities and challenges. The strong growth in 2025 (95 employees) and the high operating income per employee (561,500 kroner) suggest that there is a market for quality-driven businesses. However, entrepreneurs must be aware of the large fluctuations in sales and operating profit, which were evident in 2020–2021. This may indicate vulnerability to external factors such as economic downturns or competitive pressure. A strategic location in Kristiansund and a focus on differentiation can be crucial for future success.

Comparison with the Broader Industry (Bar/Club)

The broader bar/club industry in Kristiansund has 4 companies, showing that there is a smaller, but more diversified sector. This industry has the same sales development as the bar industry, but also includes Longhorn Country Bar As (pub sector), which has 0 employees and 0 sales. This shows that the broader industry has a more variable structure, with both established businesses and new establishments that have not yet achieved operating profit. For entrepreneurs, this may indicate that there is room for specialization within the bar/club sector, but also a warning about competitive pressure from both existing and new actors.

The bar industry in Kristiansund shows potential for growth, especially with Zinatra As' strength and the increased demand after 2024. However, entrepreneurs must be aware of the large fluctuations in sales and operating profit. A strategic location in Kristiansund and a focus on differentiation can be crucial for future success. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find optimal addresses and strategies to establish themselves in this industry.