The Café Industry in Oslo: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

The café industry in Oslo is an important part of the city's service and cultural sector. With 235 registered companies in the municipality (although only 16 are detailed in this analysis), data shows a dynamic industry with both growth and challenges. From 2021 to 2026, the number of employees increased by 3.4% annually, while sales experienced a sharp decline in 2020 before a gradual increase from 2022. The industry has also been marked by bankruptcies, which entrepreneurs should consider. SmartGrunder can help find strategic addresses in Oslo for café operations based on local conditions.

Economic Trends

Sales experienced a sharp decline in 2020 (–29.7%) before growth from 2022 to 2023 (+7.7%). The number of employees declined similarly in 2020–2021 but has since increased by 3.4% annually from 2024 to 2026. The industry shows very variable development, with both sharp declines and upswings.

Major Companies in the Industry

The following companies are examples of the most well-known cafés in Oslo:

1. Joe & The Juice Karl Johan (Karl Johans gate 20): 474 employees, sales of 296.8M NOK, EBITDA of –4.8M NOK.
2. Theatercafeen As (Stortingsgata 24/26): 130 employees, sales of 101.8M NOK, EBITDA of 4.3M NOK.
3. Grand Cafè Oslo As (Henrik Ibsens gate 4): 90 employees, sales of 50.9M NOK, EBITDA of 3.3M NOK.

Organizational Forms

• AS (102 companies, 2,421 employees): Dominates the industry with high sales volume (1,397M NOK) and EBITDA (85.5M NOK).
• Enk (6 companies, 40 employees): Smaller companies with higher EBITDA margins (16%) compared to AS.
• Fli and Ans (1 company each): Minimal activity, no sales or employees.

The most successful companies are often AS entities with high sales volume and EBITDA.

Distribution of Activity in Oslo

Café activity is strongly concentrated in Oslo, with 109 companies and 2,469 employees. Siggerud has a single café with negative EBITDA (–3%), indicating challenges for small companies in the periphery. Oslo has high sales volume (1,396.9M NOK) and EBITDA (85.8M NOK), but a lower EBITDA margin (6%) compared to Siggerud (67%).

Bankruptcy and Operational Risk

The following companies have gone bankrupt in the café industry in Oslo:

1. Hereford Bjerke As (Refstadveien 27): 0 employees, 0 sales, 0 EBITDA.
2. House21 As (Kristian Augusts gate 21): 0 employees, 0 sales, 0 EBITDA.
3. Lykka Cafe As (Sørbyhaugen 34): 0 employees, 0 sales, 0 EBITDA.
4. Restaurant L44 As (Lørenveien 44B): 0 employees, 0 sales, 0 EBITDA.
5. Tatie As (Grorudveien 5): 0 employees, 4.4M sales, 188.0K EBITDA.

Bankruptcies show that the industry has a certain level of operational risk, especially for small companies. Tatie As, however, had a positive EBITDA (4%) before bankruptcy, which may be due to specific circumstances. Entrepreneurs should carefully consider operational models and financing.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

The café industry in Oslo shows a mix of growth and instability. From 2022 to 2023, sales grew by 7.7%, and the number of employees increased by 9.8% from 2024 to 2025. However, the industry experienced a sharp decline in 2025 (–35.7% in sales), which may be due to external factors such as economic downturns or competition from other cafés. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on differentiation, quality, and efficient operations to survive in a competitive market. SmartGrunder can help find strategic addresses in Oslo for café operations based on local conditions.

Comparison with the Broader Industry

The café industry is part of the larger restaurant/café industry in Oslo, which has 2,401 companies (235 cafés). The broader industry had sales of 7,981.4M NOK in 2025, while the café industry had 824.9M NOK. EBITDA for the restaurant/café industry was higher (10.0M NOK for the most profitable companies) compared to the café industry (4.3M NOK for Theatercafeen As). Examples of competitors in the broader industry include:

• Pincho Nation Norge As (Rosenkrantz' gate 7): 115 employees, 111.3M NOK sales, 15.3M NOK EBITDA.
• Oslo Bar & Bowling As (Torggata 16): 48 employees, 45.2M NOK sales, 13.8M NOK EBITDA.

Cafés have lower sales and EBITDA compared to restaurants but can compete through specialization and customer customization.

The café industry in Oslo has both opportunities and challenges. With growth in the number of employees and sales from 2022 to 2023, as well as a large number of companies (235), the industry shows potential for growth. However, the risk of bankruptcy is high, especially for small companies. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on efficient operations, quality, and differentiation to survive in a competitive market. SmartGrunder can help find strategic addresses in Oslo for café operations based on local conditions.