The Bar Industry in Stavanger: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The bar industry in Stavanger is an important part of the local economy, with 41 registered companies and over 700 employees. The industry has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years, with significant fluctuations in sales and operating results. Stavanger is known for its cultural and social life, and the bar industry plays a central role in this. Current data shows that the industry has a mix of established companies and new players, with variations in operating results and organizational forms.

Economic Trends

Sales and Employees:

Sales experienced a significant decline in 2020 (−41.1%) before a strong increase in 2022 (+67.4%). The number of employees has varied, with an increase of 10.5% from 2025 to 2026. Operating results (EBITDA) have shown variations, with an average margin of 7% for the industry.

Average Key Figures:

• Average sales per employee: 283,000 NOK
• Average EBITDA margin: 7%
• Average gross margin: 102%

Key Players in the Industry

Stavanger has 16 registered companies in the bar industry, with a mix of established and new companies. The most represented organizational forms are AS (29 companies). Examples of companies include:

• Old Irish Pub Norway As (Nedre Holmegate 12): 81 employees, sales of 43.3M NOK, EBITDA of 2.6M NOK
• Checkpoint Club As (Nedre Strandgate 14): 26 employees, sales of 12.7M NOK, EBITDA of 2.6M NOK
• Rabalder Bar Stavanger As (Skagenkaien 5): 25 employees, sales of 15.5M NOK, EBITDA of 3.2M NOK

Bankrupt Companies:

• Bella Stavanger As (Kirkegata 44): 0 employees, sales of 412,000 NOK, EBITDA of −162,000 NOK
• My Place As (Kirkegata 21): 0 employees, sales of 0 NOK, EBITDA of 0 NOK

Geographic Distribution

The bar industry in Stavanger is most concentrated in Stavanger and Hundvåg:

Stavanger is the main hub of the industry, with higher sales and employment. Hundvåg has less sufficient activity, but with a higher EBITDA margin (32%) compared to Stavanger (7%).

Operational Dynamics and Bankruptcy Statistics

The industry has shown certain challenges, with 2 bankruptcies registered in Stavanger. Examples include:

• Bella Stavanger As (Kirkegata 44): EBITDA of −162,000 NOK, 0 employees
• My Place As (Kirkegata 21): EBITDA of 0 NOK, 0 employees

Despite these challenges, many companies in the industry have shown resilience, with companies such as Checkpoint Club As and Rabalder Bar Stavanger As as examples of profitable operations.

Development Trends and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

The bar industry in Stavanger shows potential for growth, especially in Stavanger where there is a high concentration of companies and good infrastructure. The figures show that the industry has an average EBITDA margin of 7%, indicating that it is possible to achieve profitability with the right positioning and operations. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on areas with high customer traffic and good access to cultural activities. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Stavanger for this industry.

Development in the Broader Industry (Bar / Club)

The broader bar / club industry in Stavanger has 47 companies, showing that it is a larger industry than the bar industry alone. Sales in this industry have a similar development to the bar industry, but with slightly higher variations. Examples of companies in this industry not registered in the bar industry include:

The broader industry has a slightly higher average EBITDA margin compared to the bar industry, which may indicate that it is possible to utilize such companies as complements to the bar industry.

The bar industry in Stavanger has both opportunities and challenges. With good infrastructure and cultural attractions, it is possible to achieve profitability. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on areas with high customer traffic and good access to cultural activities. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Stavanger for this industry.