The Bar Industry in Steinkjer: Current Situation and Future Perspectives

The bar industry in Steinkjer is a small but dynamic sector with four registered companies in the municipality. In 2026, there are a total of 57 employees, and the annual revenue amounts to NOK 10.3 million. The EBITDA margin is 7%, indicating moderate profitability. The most significant companies are Vårt Hjem Steinkjer AS and Kings Corner AS, which together account for over 70% of total revenue. There is a clear variation in financial results, with K8 Cocktailbar AS and Per Ove Wengstad as examples of companies with low or no revenue. Economic data show that the sector has had both strong and weak years, with a significant decline in 2020 and an increase in 2022. There are no bankruptcy registrations in the sector, which suggests a certain level of stabilization.

The bar industry in Steinkjer has shown variation in both sales and number of employees over time. Sales figures had a significant decline of 43.1% in 2020, but have since recovered with an increase of 75.3% in 2021. The highest sales were achieved in 2022 with NOK 10.7 million, followed by a mild decline in 2025. The number of employees has been more stable, with a sharp decline of 61.9% in 2018, but an increase of 36.8% in 2026. In 2026, there are 52 employees, indicating a gradual improvement. The EBITDA margin has varied between 0% and 16%, with Kings Corner AS being one of the most profitable actors.

In Steinkjer, there are four registered companies in the bar industry:

1. Vårt Hjem Steinkjer AS (Kongens gate 18) – AS entity, 27 employees, NOK 7.2 million in sales, EBITDA NOK 202,000.
2. K8 Cocktailbar AS (Kirkegata 8) – AS entity, 18 employees, but no sales or revenue.
3. Kings Corner AS (Kongens gate 35) – AS entity, 12 employees, NOK 3.1 million in sales, EBITDA NOK 666,000.
4. Per Ove Wengstad (Sjøfartsgata 2) – ENK entity, 0 employees, no sales or revenue.

Most companies are AS entities, which suggests a preference for liability distribution. K8 Cocktailbar AS and Per Ove Wengstad have not reported revenue, which may indicate early stages of the business or challenges in operations.

The bar industry in Steinkjer is concentrated in the municipality's center. There is one registered activity in the municipality, with 3 companies and 57 employees. Most companies are located in central addresses such as Kongens gate and Kirkegata, which suggests a focus on tourists and local population. There is no dispersion to other city districts or areas in the municipality, which may be a limitation for future growth.

The bar industry in Steinkjer has been relatively stable with no bankruptcy registrations. However, data show that some companies have faced challenges. K8 Cocktailbar AS and Per Ove Wengstad have no sales or revenue, which may indicate early stages of the business or weak market positions. Kings Corner AS, however, has shown good profitability with an EBITDA margin of 16%, demonstrating that profitability is achievable in the sector. This variation underscores the need for strategic operations and marketing.

Data suggest that the bar industry in Steinkjer has growth potential, especially with an increase in the number of employees from 35 in 2024 to 52 in 2026. The highest sales were achieved in 2022, but there is a decline in 2025. This may be due to variations in customer behavior or competitive pressure. For entrepreneurs, there is an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for services in the municipality, especially in central locations. However, it is important to be aware of the financial challenges indicated in the data and to ensure stable revenue generation. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Steinkjer for this industry.

The bar industry in Steinkjer is a small but important sector with growth potential. Although there have been challenges, the data show that profitability and stabilization are achievable. With an increase in the number of employees and a growing demand for services, the sector can become an important part of the municipality's economy. Entrepreneurs should consider the opportunities in the sector, but also be aware of the financial challenges. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations and strategies to ensure success in this industry.