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

The café industry in Sandnes constitutes an important part of the local business structure. With 15 registered companies and 95 employees in 2026, the data shows a mix of established and newly established businesses. The dominant organizational form is AS, representing 5 of the companies and 89 of the total employees. The café industry has been marked by variations in sales and employees over time, with a weak increase in 2025. At the same time, the data shows that some companies operate without income or employees, which may indicate newly established or inactive operations. The industry is part of the larger restaurant and café sector in Sandnes, which has 171 companies and a significantly higher sales value.

The café industry in Sandnes has experienced variations in sales and employees over time. Sales figures have shown a decline from 2016 to 2024, with a weak increase of 6.5% in 2025. Employee numbers have been more volatile, with a decline of 14.3% in 2021, but an increase of 11.2% in 2026. This dynamic shows an industry that has been affected by both economic and cyclical factors, but with signs of stabilization in recent years.

In Sandnes, there are 15 companies in the café industry, distributed across the following organizational forms:

The most well-known companies include Ikea As Cafe Forus (Grenseveien 2), Jordbærpikene Kvadrat As (Gamle Stokkavei 1), and Patcharin Kjøkken Drift Chanasam (Havnegata 11). Some of the companies have not reported income or employees, which may indicate newly established businesses or operations in the start-up phase.

All 15 companies in the café industry are registered in Sandnes. There is no division of the business into other districts or municipalities. The data shows that Sandnes is a central district for café operations, with 6 companies, 95 employees, and a sales value of NOK 123.6 million. This indicates that the café industry is concentrated in central areas of the municipality, which can be advantageous for establishing new businesses.

The café industry in Sandnes has been marked by relative stability in terms of bankruptcy. None of the 15 companies have filed for bankruptcy, which shows good operational economics. However, several companies report zero income or employees, which may indicate newly established businesses or operations in the start-up phase. This can be a challenge for establishing new companies, but also an opportunity for innovation and differentiation.

For founders in the café industry in Sandnes, the data shows an industry with potential, but also challenges. The weak increase in sales and employees in 2025 indicates a gradual stabilization, but there are still variations in operational results. Founders should consider differentiating themselves through unique offerings, quality, and customer customization. At the same time, it may be beneficial to leverage the existing infrastructure and customer base in Sandnes, which is an important district for café operations.

The broader restaurant and café sector in Sandnes has 171 companies, showing that the café industry is part of a larger and more diversified sector. Sales figures for the broader sector have been more stable, with a weak decline in 2020 and an increase in 2023. EBITDA for the most competitive companies in the sector ranges from NOK 6.7 million (Lura Turistheim As) to NOK 0 (Aamod As). This shows that there are established companies with good economics and new businesses working to establish themselves. Founders should consider analyzing competitors in this broader sector to find opportunities for differentiation and market share.

The café industry in Sandnes shows signs of gradual stabilization, with a weak increase in sales and employees in 2025. At the same time, there are opportunities for innovation and differentiation in a sector that is part of a larger and more diversified restaurant and café sector. Founders should consider leveraging the existing infrastructure and customer base in Sandnes, as well as analyzing competitors in the broader sector to find opportunities for market share. SmartGrunder can help founders explore addresses and locations in Sandnes that are natural for café operations.