The Bar Industry in Ringerike: Companies, Statistics, and Outlook

The bar industry in Ringerike is a small but dynamic sector with 7 registered companies in the municipality. Activity is concentrated in Hønefoss, where 2 companies and 63 employees make up almost the entire industry. The sector has experienced both strong growth periods and challenges, especially after the coronavirus pandemic. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in the municipality for this industry.

The industry has experienced significant variation in sales and number of employees over time. Sales reached a peak of 21.9 million NOK in 2019, but fell by 55.1% in 2020 before gradually rising again. The number of employees reached a maximum of 93 in 2020, but dropped to 62 in 2026. There is a clear connection between sales and number of employees, with a positive correlation in most years. The EBITDA margin has been negative in several periods, indicating challenges in operating results.

In Ringerike, there are 7 companies registered in the bar industry. The key companies include:

• Gledeshuset Drift As (Strandgata 1B, Hønefoss): AS structure, 52 employees, operates with a negative operating result of -627,000 NOK
• Humbar As (Ådalsgata 10, Hønefoss): AS structure, 11 employees, no operating activity reported
• Fossen Bar & Pub As (Arnemannsveien 3, Hønefoss): AS structure, 0 employees, negative EBITDA of -1,000 NOK

Most companies are organized as AS, with one sole proprietorship (DA) and two associations (FLI) in addition. None of the companies are registered as bankrupt, but several have negative operating results.

Activity in the bar industry is concentrated in Hønefoss, where 2 companies and 63 employees make up the entire industry. One of these companies reports operating income of 18.5 million NOK and an operating result of -627,000 NOK. Hønefoss is therefore the only city in the municipality with activity within this industry, showing a clear geographical concentration.

The industry has been relatively stable with no bankruptcies registered, but shows variations in operating results. Gledeshuset Drift As has a negative operating result of -627,000 NOK and EBITDA of -590,000 NOK. Several companies have no operating activity, which may indicate temporary closure or decline in activity. There is a clear variation in operating results between companies, with some achieving positive figures and others experiencing significant losses.

For entrepreneurs in this industry in Ringerike, it is important to note the strong growth periods in 2018-2019, which reached a sales peak of 21.9 million NOK. This shows potential for growth in a stable market. At the same time, there are challenges related to negative operating results and variable income. Hønefoss is a clear location for activity, and there may be opportunities to utilize existing infrastructure. Entrepreneurs should also consider competition from other bars and clubs in the municipality.

The broader industry bar / club in Ringerike has 8 companies, showing that this category is somewhat larger than the individual bar industry. Sales in this broader category reached 18.0 million NOK in 2024, showing a slightly more stable development compared to the bar industry. One of the key peer companies in this category is Lloyds Pub Hønefoss As, which has 15 employees and is organized as AS. This broader category can give entrepreneurs a better understanding of market challenges and opportunities in Ringerike.

The bar industry in Ringerike shows both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs. With a concentration of activity in Hønefoss and growth in sales during periods, there may be opportunities to establish oneself in this market. At the same time, it is important to be aware of the negative operating results and variable income shown in the data. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations and develop strategies that fit this specific market.