The Café Industry in Ringerike: Companies, Statistics, and Outlook

The café industry in Ringerike shows a mix of stability and growth. With 9 registered companies in the municipality, including both established businesses and new companies from 2023, the industry is dynamic. The employment figures have grown from 46 in 2016 to 83 in 2026, with a stable trend in recent years. Sales have continuously grown from 2016 to 2025, with a slight decline in 2020 due to the pandemic, but a strong recovery afterward. The industry is concentrated in Hønefoss, where most companies are located. There are no registered bankruptcies in the industry, indicating a relatively stable economic situation. At the same time, data shows that some companies, such as Tk Thai & Sushi and Isabella Cafe, are newly established and have not yet reported revenues.

Sales in the café industry in Ringerike have continuously grown from 2016 to 2025, with a total increase of 111% (from NOK 18.1 million to NOK 38.4 million). The most significant decline was recorded in 2020 (-20.1%), but the industry has since recovered with an increase of 9.8% in 2024. Employment figures have been more variable, with an increase from 46 in 2016 to 83 in 2026. The most significant increase was recorded in 2022 (+13.4%), while a decline was recorded in 2023 (-7.9%). This development shows that the industry has been influenced by both economic and demographic factors over time.

The following companies are registered in the café industry in Ringerike:

1. Brasserie Fengselet As (Storgata 9, Hønefoss) – 28 employees, EBITDA NOK 68.0K
2. Westbyn Restaurantdrift As (Nordre torv 1, Hønefoss) – 28 employees, EBITDA NOK 619.0K
3. Fj Horeca As (Stabells gate 2, Hønefoss) – 15 employees, EBITDA NOK 933.0K
4. Salah Servering As (Kong Rings gate 1, Hønefoss) – 7 employees, EBITDA NOK 129.0K
5. Tk Thai & Sushi As (Osloveien 33, Hønefoss) – 3 employees, EBITDA NOK 0
6. Isabella Cafe As (Stabells gate 13, Hønefoss) – 0 employees, EBITDA NOK 0
7. Kafé Mohamadi (Hvelven 24, Hønefoss) – 0 employees, EBITDA NOK 0
8. Maatouk (Nansenveien 19A, Hønefoss) – 0 employees, EBITDA NOK 0
9. Treminner Egil Gustav Jansson (Vemeveien 3A, Hønefoss) – 0 employees, EBITDA NOK 0

Most companies are organized as AS, with the exception of the newly established companies, which are organized as ENK. There are no registered bankruptcies in the industry.

The café industry in Ringerike is concentrated in Hønefoss, where 9 companies are registered with a total of 81 employees. Economic data for Hønefoss shows an operating income of NOK 40.0 million, sales income of NOK 39.2 million, and an EBITDA margin of 4%. This concentration indicates that Hønefoss is an important central town for the café industry in the municipality.

There are no registered bankruptcies in the café industry in Ringerike in recent years. This indicates that the industry has been relatively stable. However, data shows that some companies, such as Tk Thai & Sushi and Isabella Cafe, are newly established and have not yet reported revenues. This may indicate a certain degree of uncertainty or challenges for new companies in the industry.

For entrepreneurs considering starting a café in Ringerike, the data shows growth in sales and number of employees in recent years. The concentrated distribution of companies in Hønefoss can provide opportunities to leverage existing customer bases and infrastructure. At the same time, it is important to be aware of competition from both established and new companies. Data shows that it is possible to achieve high EBITDA margins, such as Fj Horeca As has achieved with 10%, but there are also companies that have not yet reported revenues. This may indicate that there is a certain degree of risk associated with starting a new café in the municipality.

Compared to the broader café and restaurant industry in Ringerike, which has 60 companies, the café industry shows a more stable development. Sales in the broader industry have been more variable, with a decline of 26.6% in 2025. However, data shows that the café industry has a higher EBITDA margin (4%) compared to the broader industry. Current peer companies in the broader industry include Salt & Pepper Hønefoss As (NOK 7.6 million EBITDA) and Kikko Sushi As (NOK 1.7 million EBITDA). This shows that there are opportunities to achieve high EBITDA margins in the café industry, but there is also a certain degree of competition from other companies in the broader industry.

The café industry in Ringerike shows potential for growth and stability, with a concentration of companies in Hønefoss. Data shows that it is possible to achieve high EBITDA margins, but there is also a certain degree of competition from both established and new companies. Entrepreneurs should consider leveraging existing infrastructure and customer bases in Hønefoss, while also being aware of the challenges associated with starting a new café in a competitive market area.