Cafes in Kristiansund: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

The cafe industry in Kristiansund has grown from 9 companies in 2026, with 101 employees and combined sales of NOK 37 million. The industry shows both strengths and challenges, with a significant sales decline in 2025 (NOK 16.6 million) following a growth period up to 2024. At the same time, the number of employees has increased continuously, from 14 in 2016 to 101 in 2026. The broader restaurant and cafe sector in the municipality has 60 companies, showing that the cafe industry is part of a larger market with both competitive and weaker players.

Sales and employee development

The cafe industry experienced growth in sales up to 2024, with an increase of 42.3% from 2023 to 2024. This was followed by a significant decline of 55.2% in 2025, before stabilizing in 2026. The number of employees has grown continuously, with an increase of 29.5% from 2025 to 2026. This shows strong interest in developing cafe activities in the municipality, despite more volatile sales development.

Kristiansund has 9 companies in the cafe industry, with the following organizational forms:

• AS (8 companies): Total of 98 employees, with operating income of NOK 47.4 million and EBITDA of NOK 1.0 million.
• ORGL (1 company): No activities reported.

Key companies include:

• Smaka As (Frei): 28 employees, sales of NOK 7.1 million, EBITDA of NOK 988,000.
• Jordbærpikene Storkaia As (Kristiansund): 17 employees, sales of NOK 7.6 million, EBITDA of NOK 62,000.
• Boteco As (Kristiansund): 15 employees, sales of NOK 17.2 million, EBITDA of NOK 96,000.

Many companies have negative EBITDA, such as Rådhus Cafe (NOK -644,000) and Atlanten Cafe (NOK 0). This shows that some companies face economic challenges.

Distribution of activities in the municipality

Cafe activities are most concentrated in Kristiansund (8 companies, 82 employees, sales of NOK 40.3 million) compared to Frei (1 company, 28 employees, sales of NOK 7.1 million). Kristiansund has higher sales and more employees, but Frei has a higher EBITDA margin (13% vs. 0% in Kristiansund). This may indicate that Frei has more efficient companies, despite having fewer companies.

Dynamics and bankruptcy risk

No companies in the cafe industry in Kristiansund are bankrupt, showing a stable industry. However, several companies have negative EBITDA, such as Rådhus Cafe (NOK -644,000) and Atlanten Cafe (NOK 0). This may indicate economic challenges for some companies, even though no bankruptcies have been registered. It is important to note that companies such as Sportsbar Cafe/restaurant As and Dødeladen Cafe Og Restaurant As have no reported financial data, which may indicate new or weak companies.

The cafe industry in Kristiansund shows potential for growth in the number of employees, but sales development has been more volatile. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on establishing companies with high efficiency, such as Smaka As (13% EBITDA margin) and Jordbærpikene Storkaia As (79% gross profit margin). It is also important to be aware of the significant sales declines in 2025, which may be an indicator of market risk. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Kristiansund for cafe activities.

Comparison with the broader sector

The broader restaurant/cafe sector in Kristiansund has 60 companies, with total sales of NOK 144.7 million in 2025. This shows that the cafe industry is part of a larger market with both competitive and weaker players. Peer companies in the sector include:

• Bryggekanten Brasserie & Bache Bar As (sales NOK 28.2M, EBITDA NOK 2.9M)
• Bid Atlanten As (sales NOK 7.6M, EBITDA NOK 1.8M)
• Select Service Partner As (sales NOK 12.9M, EBITDA NOK 1.1M)

These companies have higher EBITDA than most cafe companies, which may indicate that the restaurant sector has better financial results. Entrepreneurs should consider competing in this broader sector, but be aware that the cafe industry has more volatile sales development.

The cafe industry in Kristiansund shows both growth in the number of employees and potential for development, but with more volatile sales development compared to the broader restaurant/cafe sector. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on efficiency and location in Kristiansund, where activity is highest. SmartGrunder can help find suitable addresses and strategies to ensure economic stability in an industry with both opportunities and challenges.