Industry · municipality
The Bar Industry in Sandefjord: Current Situation and Future Prospects
Analysis of Companies, Statistics, and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Local Decision-Makers in Sandefjord
Brief Overview of the Bar Industry in Sandefjord
The bar industry in Sandefjord has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years. With 9 registered companies and 118 employees in 2026, the sector is relatively stable, although there have been variations in wage development and operating results. A significant increase in sales (23.2 million NOK in 2025) and number of employees (80 in 2026) show that the industry has been in focus in recent years. Nevertheless, there are challenges related to operating results, particularly for some of the largest companies.
Economic Trends and Key Figures
Economic Trends
- Sales: Sales have increased by 69.9% from 2024 to 2025, from 13.6 million NOK to 23.2 million NOK. This is the most significant increase in over 10 years.
- Employees: The number of employees has increased by 19.4% from 2025 to 2026, from 67 to 80 employees. This is a marked improvement after a decline in 2021–2022.
- EBITDA Margins: In 2026, the EBITDA margin for the entire sector is 0%, showing that operating results are weak for many companies. Torton Capital Management AS has a negative EBITDA margin of -14% in 2023, which is a concern.
- Operating Results: In 2026, the operating result for the entire sector is 0 NOK, showing that many companies operate on the edge between profit and loss.
Key Companies and Organizational Forms
Key Companies in the Sector
The following companies are registered in the bar industry in Sandefjord:
| Company | Year of Incorporation | Number of Employees | Operating Result (2026) | EBITDA (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breili AS | 2015 | 59 | 1.2 million NOK | 1.2 million NOK |
| Torton Capital Management AS | 2014 | 41 | -1.2 million NOK | -1.2 million NOK |
| Golden Tiger AS | 2024 | 11 | 0 NOK | 0 NOK |
| Haukerød Puben AS | 2016 | 7 | -76,000 NOK | -65,000 NOK |
| Bare Solskinn AS | 2021 | 0 | 0 NOK | 0 NOK |
| Fjeldvig Pub DA | 2001 | 0 | 0 NOK | 0 NOK |
| Løkka Bar Og Servering AS | 2025 | 0 | 0 NOK | 0 NOK |
| Nybyen AS | 2026 | 0 | 0 NOK | 0 NOK |
Organizational Forms: 4 of the 9 companies are AS, while 2 are DA. AS companies have an average of 29.5 employees, while DA companies have 0 employees. This shows that AS is the dominant organizational form in the sector.
Geographic Distribution of the Bar Industry
Geographic Distribution
The bar industry in Sandefjord is concentrated in the municipality's central areas. According to data from 2026, the activity is in Sandefjord itself, with 4 companies and 118 employees. There is no information about distribution in sub-areas of the municipality, but it is likely that the largest companies (such as Breili AS and Torton Capital Management AS) are located in the city center or near major roads.
Business Dynamics and Bankruptcy Risk
- Bankruptcy: None of the 9 companies in the sector are registered as bankrupt in 2026. This shows that the sector has been relatively stable in the short term.
- Operating Results: Torton Capital Management AS has been one of the most challenging companies, with negative operating results and EBITDA for several years. Golden Tiger AS and Løkka Bar Og Servering AS have no operating results in 2026, which may indicate that they are new companies or have been on hold.
- Sales Growth: The sales growth has been most significant from 2024 to 2025 (+69.9%), which may be due to increased demand for bar activities in the municipality.
Future Prospects for the Bar Industry
Future Prospects
The bar industry in Sandefjord shows signs of being an attractive sector for new actors, especially with the significant sales growth in 2025. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the challenges related to operating results and EBITDA margins. For example, Torton Capital Management AS has been in deficit for several years, which may be a signal that there are challenges related to cost control and revenue generation.
For new entrepreneurs, it may be beneficial to look at the most successful companies in the sector, such as Breili AS, which has shown good operating results and EBITDA. It may also be beneficial to analyze why some companies (such as Golden Tiger AS) have been on hold and how to avoid similar challenges.
SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Sandefjord for bar activities, based on data about operating results, sales, and competitiveness.
Conclusion
The bar industry in Sandefjord has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years. With a significant increase in sales and number of employees in 2025 and 2026, the sector shows potential for further growth. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the challenges related to operating results and EBITDA margins. For new entrepreneurs, it may be beneficial to analyze the most successful companies in the sector and see how they have managed to achieve positive operating results. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Sandefjord for bar activities, based on data about operating results, sales, and competitiveness.