The Café Industry in Inner Østfold: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

The café industry in Inner Østfold consists of 12 registered companies, with a mix of businesses operating at high and low levels of activity. The most significant business is Coop Øst Sa Avd 2224 Obs Slitu Kafeteria in Slitu, which reports sales of 37.5 million NOK and 11 employees. Several companies, such as Hav Og Ild As and Stubben Kafé, have not reported sales or employees, which may indicate newly established or inactive businesses. The industry has a mix of organizational forms, including SA, AS, STI, and ENK, with SA-driven Coop Øst representing one of the most stable businesses.

Sales and employment in the café industry have been unstable in recent years. Sales increased sharply from 2021 to 2022 (+499.9%), but fell drastically in 2025 (-94.9%). The number of employees showed a similar variation, with an increase from 2021 to 2022 (+70.0%) and a decline in 2025 (-25.9%). This may be due to a combination of economic conditions, pandemic effects, and local market factors. The most stable business is Coop Øst in Slitu, which has been in operation since 1976 and reports high sales and profit.

The 12 registered cafés in Inner Østfold are distributed across three towns:

The most active business is in Slitu, where Coop Øst has a significant advantage in both sales and employees. Askim and Mysen have more registered companies, but most have not reported sales or employees, which may indicate inactivity or newly established businesses.

None of the 12 cafés in Inner Østfold have registered bankruptcy, which indicates a relatively stable industry. However, several companies, such as Hav Og Ild As and Cafe Johanna Ans R Flugeim Aa Starheim, have not reported sales or employees, which may indicate inactivity or businesses in the start-up phase. This shows that the industry has growth potential, but also challenges in maintaining operations in some cases.

For entrepreneurs, the café industry in Inner Østfold is a mix of opportunities and challenges. The most stable business, Coop Øst in Slitu, demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high sales and profit in the area. However, the past few years have shown a significant decline in sales and employees, which may be due to economic pressure or changes in consumer preferences. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on local market-oriented solutions and stable operational models, especially in Slitu where there is already a successful business.

The broader restaurant and café industry in Inner Østfold has 93 companies, showing that the café industry is part of a larger sector with more stable development. Sales in the broader industry increased from 2021 to 2022 (+52.5%), while the number of employees showed a moderate increase. Peer businesses such as Orkide Restaurant As and Pepask As have higher EBITDA than most cafés, which could serve as a benchmark for entrepreneurs seeking to achieve economic stability.

The café industry in Inner Østfold has growth potential, especially in Slitu where there is already a successful business. However, entrepreneurs must be aware of the recent decline in sales and employees, as well as the challenges that may arise in maintaining operations in certain locations. An analysis of the broader restaurant industry shows that there are opportunities to develop stable models, but it is important to focus on local conditions and operational efficiency.