The Café Industry in Larvik: Outlook, Companies, and Economic Data

The café industry in Larvik shows both growth and challenges. In 2026, there are 8 registered companies in the industry, with a total of 51 employees. Sales have grown by 104.1% from 2023 to 2024, but there have been significant fluctuations over time. One of the most notable developments is the bankruptcy of Bistro Istanbul As in 2024, which highlights the industry's vulnerability. At the same time, the number of employees has increased significantly in recent years, from 18 in 2023 to 51 in 2026. This indicates growth in activity, but with a need for attention to economic stability.

Sales Development

Sales in the café industry in Larvik have been volatile in recent years. From 2023 to 2024, sales increased by 104.1%, from NOK 1.3 million to NOK 2.6 million. This is one of the most significant increases in the data. However, there have been notable declines previously, such as from 2022 to 2023 (-44.4%) and from 2021 to 2022 (-51.1%).

Employee Numbers

The number of employees has grown significantly in recent years. From 18 in 2023 to 51 in 2026, which corresponds to an increase of 133.3% from 2023 to 2024. This shows a clear increase in activity and demand for labor in the industry. However, there have been fluctuations previously, such as from 2022 to 2023 (+20.0%) and from 2021 to 2022 (-25.0%).

Registered Companies

There are 8 registered companies in the café industry in Larvik. The main companies include:

• Molo Larvik As (Morkelveien 33, Larvik) – 31 employees
• Havfuglen Café As (Agnes torg 8, Stavern) – 12 employees
• Hem Grillen As (Djupedalsfaret 10A, Tjodalyng) – 9 employees
• Md Zalloukh (Skuggedalveien 11A, Larvik) – 4 employees

• Bakersmia Frode Smith (Nansetgata 11, Larvik) – 0 employees
• Bistro Istanbul As (Oskars gate 4, Larvik) – bankruptcy
• Sweet Treats Anvik (Nansetgata 12, Larvik) – 0 employees

Organizational Forms

Most companies in the industry are AS (4 companies, 55 employees). There is also one ENK (1 company, 4 employees). AS is the most common organizational form in Norway, and this indicates that most companies in the industry are larger and more formal.

Distribution of Activity

The café industry in Larvik is most active in Larvik itself, with 3 companies and 38 employees. Stavern and Tjodalyng also have activity, but with fewer companies and employees. It is important to note that Stavern and Tjodalyng have no sales or profit in the data, which may indicate that they are in an early stage or have low activity.

Bankruptcy and Profit

There is one registered bankruptcy in the café industry in Larvik: Bistro Istanbul As (Oskars gate 4, Larvik). This company has no sales, profit, or employees in the data. The bankruptcy highlights the industry's vulnerability, but it is also important to note that there has been growth in the number of employees and sales in recent years. This indicates that the industry has both challenges and opportunities for growth.

Development for Entrepreneurs

The café industry in Larvik shows both growth and vulnerability. There has been an increase in the number of employees and sales in recent years, which indicates growth in activity. However, it is important to be aware of bankruptcy risk, as illustrated by Bistro Istanbul As. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Larvik with a focus on economic stability and market share. It is also possible to find areas with high activity, such as Larvik itself, where there are more companies and employees.

Comparison with the Broader Industry

The café industry is part of the broader restaurant/café industry in Larvik, which has 97 companies. The broader industry has higher sales (NOK 236.8 million in 2025) and more stable growth than the café industry. For example, the broader industry grew by 17.1% from 2024 to 2025, while the café industry had a decline of 8.5% from 2024 to 2025. This shows that the café industry has greater fluctuations, but also potential for growth.

Peer Companies

In the broader industry, we find companies such as Skipperstua Restaurant As (NOK 19.0 million in sales, 51 employees) and Bøkekroa As (NOK 22.3 million in sales, 48 employees). These companies have higher sales and more employees than most cafés in Larvik. This shows that there are opportunities to compete in the broader industry, but also challenges in the form of bankruptcy risk and fluctuations in sales.

The café industry in Larvik shows both growth and vulnerability. There has been an increase in the number of employees and sales in recent years, but there is also bankruptcy risk, as illustrated by Bistro Istanbul As. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Larvik with a focus on economic stability and market share. It is also possible to find areas with high activity, such as Larvik itself, where there are more companies and employees. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and develop strategies to succeed in this industry.