Street Food in Karmøy: Industry Overview and Outlook

Industry Overview

Street food in Karmøy is a small but dynamic industry with 8 registered companies. In recent years, the industry has shown both strong growth and challenges, with an increase in employees from 23 in 2022 to 36 in 2026. Sales figures have been more unstable, with a peak of 5.9 million NOK in 2021 followed by a decline in 2022. The industry is spread across several neighborhoods, with the most activity in Avaldsnes and Kopervik. Companies such as Vikinggrillen AS and Kopparen Gategrill AS have shown positive operations, while other companies operate with zero sales or employees.

Economic Overview

Sales figures have been highly variable, with a drastic decline in 2017 (100% drop) before a strong increase in 2019 (+195.6% compared to 2018). There has been growth in the number of employees since 2022, with an increase of 52.2% from 2022 to 2023. This growth has continued, even though there have been small variations in the following years.

Companies in the Industry

In Karmøy, there are 8 registered companies within the street food industry. Most are organized as ENK (sole proprietorship) or AS (limited company). The key companies include:

• Vikinggrillen AS (Avaldsnes): 9 employees, 3.3M NOK in sales, 155,000 NOK in EBITDA
• Kopparen Gategrill AS (Kopervik): 8 employees, 3.5M NOK in sales, 162,000 NOK in EBITDA
• Big Bite Avd 324 Oasen Haugesund (Karmsund): 8 employees, but no sales or profit
• Chicken Joy Grillrestaurant (Åkrehamn): 6 employees, but no sales or profit
• Pang And Ramys Restaurant AS (Åkrehamn): 6 employees, but no sales or profit
• City Pizza (Veavågen): 1 employee, but no sales or profit

The two AS companies have shown positive operations, while most ENK companies operate with zero sales or employees. This suggests a mix of established companies and new ventures that have not yet achieved profitability.

Business Geography

The most active companies are found in Avaldsnes and Kopervik, where both sales and EBITDA are positive. Åkrehamn and Veavågen have companies that have not yet achieved profitability, despite having employees. This may indicate challenges in establishing themselves in these areas.

Business Dynamics

There are no bankruptcy registrations in the street food industry in Karmøy, which suggests that companies have been able to stay afloat. However, several companies operate with zero sales or employees, which may indicate challenges in achieving profitability. Vikinggrillen AS and Kopparen Gategrill AS have shown positive operations, while other companies such as Big Bite and Chicken Joy have been able to establish themselves, but without profitability. This may indicate a mix of established companies and new ventures that have not yet achieved profitability.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the street food industry in Karmøy, it is important to be aware of local trends. The industry has shown growth in the number of employees, but sales figures have been more unstable. It is possible to find a place in neighborhoods such as Avaldsnes and Kopervik, where there are established companies with positive operations. However, there are also challenges in achieving profitability, as shown by several companies in Åkrehamn and Veavågen. Entrepreneurs should also be aware of competition from both local and national chains, such as Burger King and Haugli Bakeri.

Outlook for the Fast Food Industry

The broader fast food industry in Karmøy has shown a more stable development compared to street food. Sales figures have been higher, with a peak of 16.7 million NOK in 2021, and the number of employees has increased from 32 in 2016 to 132 in 2026. This industry includes both bakeries, kebab houses, and chains, such as Burger King and Haugli Bakeri. Compared to street food, fast food has a larger number of companies (14) and higher sales figures, which suggests a more stable market. Entrepreneurs should be aware that fast food is a competitive industry, but also a potential partner for collaboration.

Conclusion

Street food in Karmøy is a small but dynamic industry with both opportunities and challenges. It is possible to find a place in neighborhoods such as Avaldsnes and Kopervik, where there are established companies with positive operations. However, there are also challenges in achieving profitability, as shown by several companies in Åkrehamn and Veavågen. Entrepreneurs should also be aware of the competition from both local and national chains. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Karmøy for this industry, based on local trends and business dynamics.