The Café Industry in Bærum: Current Status and Future Prospects

The café industry in Bærum shows a mix of stability and challenges. In 2025, the municipality had 15 registered cafés, with annual sales growth of +14.7% compared to 2024. Employment figures have been more volatile, peaking at 92 employees in 2025 before declining to 79 in 2026. One of the most notable developments is Muskaran As in Haslum, which was declared bankrupt in 2023. At the same time, Sandvika and Bærums Verk showcase outstanding performing cafés with high EBITDA margins (10% and 2% respectively). This analysis provides a detailed overview of companies, economic trends, and development opportunities in the industry.

Economic Trends

Sales Development:

• 2016: NOK 6.4M
• 2025: NOK 30.1M (+14.7% in 2025)
• Total sales growth from 2016 to 2025: +370.3%

Employment Development:

• 2016: 48 employees
• 2025: 92 employees
• 2026: 79 employees (-14.1% from 2025)

Characteristics:

• Highest sales growth in 2019 (+445.8%)
• Largest decline in 2017 (-57.9%)
• Stable number of companies (15 in 2025)
• One bankruptcy registration in 2023 (Muskaran As)

Registered Companies

In Bærum, 15 cafés are registered in 2025. The main organizational forms are:

• AS (3 companies): Bit As, Fra Hjertet As, Vinje Pizza&stekt Mat As
• ENK (1 company): Lios Cafe Bar Fung Shan Cheung

Key Companies:

1. Bit As (Sandvika): NOK 23.0M in sales, 25 employees, 10% EBITDA margin
2. Fra Hjertet As (Bærums Verk): NOK 6.4M in sales, 25 employees, 2% EBITDA margin
3. Muskaran As (Haslum): Bankruptcy registered in 2023, 0 employees, 0 sales

Other:

• 10 companies have 0 employees and 0 sales in 2025
• 3 companies were established after 2020

Geographic Distribution

Bærums Verk:

• 1 company, 25 employees, NOK 6.4M in sales, 2% EBITDA margin

Sandvika:

• 1 company, 25 employees, NOK 23.0M in sales, 10% EBITDA margin

Høvikodden:

• 1 company, 24 employees, 0 sales, 0 EBITDA

Lysaker:

• 1 company, 1 employee, 0 sales, 0 EBITDA

Conclusion:

• Highest activity in Sandvika and Bærums Verk
• Høvikodden and Lysaker show weak performance

Operational Dynamics

Bankruptcy Cases:

• Muskaran As (Haslum): Bankruptcy registered in 2023, 0 employees, 0 sales

Operational Results:

• Sandvika: Highest EBITDA margin (10%) and highest sales (NOK 23.0M)
• Bærums Verk: Larger number of employees (25) than Sandvika, but lower EBITDA margin (2%)
• Høvikodden and Lysaker: 0 sales and 0 EBITDA in 2025

Challenges:

• Bankruptcy in Haslum
• Low activity in Høvikodden and Lysaker
• Large variation in operational results between locations

Development Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Positive Trends:

• Highest sales growth in 2019 (+445.8%) and in 2024 (+20.6%)
• Highest number of employees in 2025 (92) before decline in 2026
• Sandvika and Bærums Verk show stable operational results

Challenges:

• Bankruptcy in Haslum (Muskaran As)
• Low activity in Høvikodden and Lysaker
• Large variation in operational results between locations

Recommendation:

• Focus on Sandvika and Bærums Verk for better operational results
• Consider competitiveness in new locations
• Consider learning from successful companies like Bit As and Fra Hjertet As

Parent Industry Comparison

Restaurant/Café Sector in Bærum:

• 167 companies (2025), 15 cafés
• Sales: NOK 389.2M in 2025 (-26.3% from 2024)
• Employees: 1,113 employees in 2026

Peer Companies:

Conclusion:

• The café industry is smaller than the restaurant sector (15 vs 167 companies)
• The restaurant sector has higher sales (NOK 389.2M vs NOK 30.1M)
• The café industry has higher EBITDA margin in Sandvika (10%) than many peer companies

The café industry in Bærum shows both opportunities and challenges. With a sales growth of +14.7% in 2025 and stable operational results in Sandvika and Bærums Verk, there is potential for growth. At the same time, the bankruptcy in Haslum and low activity in Høvikodden and Lysaker indicate challenges in certain areas. Entrepreneurs should focus on successful locations and learn from peer companies in the restaurant sector. SmartGrunder can help find optimal addresses in Bærum for cafés with good prospects.