The Café Industry in Drammen: Business Profile, Development, and Opportunities

The café industry in Drammen is an important part of the municipality's local economy, with 16 registered companies in 2026. The industry has shown variation in development over the years, with growth in sales and number of employees up to 2024, followed by a decline in 2025. One of the most notable developments is a bankruptcy in Mjøndalen, which highlights both potential challenges and the need for strategic planning in the industry. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find optimal addresses in Drammen for café operations, based on local market conditions and development trends.

Sales and Employees in the Café Industry

The café industry in Drammen had stable growth in sales up to 2024, with a peak of 73.7M NOK. In 2025, a decline of 21.7% in sales was recorded, which may be due to economic pressure or competitiveness. The number of employees grew up to 2025, but fell by 12.6% in the same year. EBITDA margins were mostly above 10% in Drammen, but in Solbergelva they were below 0% in 2025.

Major Companies and Organizational Forms

The most significant companies in the café industry in Drammen include:

• Cafe Bragernes (42 employees, 34.1M NOK in sales)
• Amore As (17 employees, 4.4M NOK in sales)
• Spiralen Café Og Restaurant (7 employees, 4.7M NOK in sales)
• Ligostua As (5 employees, 6.9M NOK in sales)

Most companies are organized as AS (9 companies), with an average income per employee of 786,200 NOK. There are also some ENK organizations, such as Bit For Bit Cai Yon Liang Hansen and Cafe Luche, which have no employees or income.

Distribution of Activity in Drammen and Solbergelva

Drammen dominates the café industry with 7 companies and 111 employees, while Solbergelva has two companies with lower sales and negative EBITDA. The most significant café in Solbergelva is Berg's Cafe & Matbar As, which had an EBITDA of -89.0K NOK in 2025.

Bankruptcy and Operational Efficiency

A bankruptcy in Mjøndalen, Kafe Kraft As, highlights a challenge in the industry. The company had an EBITDA of -84.0K NOK and 0 employees in 2025. This may be due to low income (3.1M NOK) and high operating costs. Although bankruptcies are rare, this highlights the need for careful financial planning and operational efficiency in the café industry.

Development Trends for Entrepreneurs

The café industry in Drammen has shown growth in sales and employees up to 2024, but a decline in 2025. This may be due to economic pressure or competitiveness. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and unique offerings to compete in a market area with 16 companies. Drammen's central location and population figures provide potential opportunities for growth, but the competition is strong.

Comparison with the Broader Restaurant/Café Industry

The broader restaurant/café industry in Drammen has 221 companies, compared to 16 in the café industry. Sales in the broader industry were 514.5M NOK in 2025, while the café industry had 57.7M NOK. The number of employees in the broader industry was 1,390 in 2026, compared to 125 in the café industry. Examples of competitors in the broader industry include Anchas Bodega (27.4M NOK in sales) and Lizzis Pizza Drammen As (19.1M NOK in sales). This shows that the café industry is smaller, but has potential for specialization and unique offerings.

The café industry in Drammen has shown both growth and challenges over the years. With 16 companies and growth in sales up to 2024, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in a market area with potential customers. At the same time, it is important to be aware of the competition and operational efficiency, as shown by the bankruptcy in Mjøndalen. Drammen's location and population provide entrepreneurs with opportunities, but strategic planning and unique offerings are required to succeed.