The Café Industry in Sola: Current Status and Future Prospects

The café industry in Sola has shown significant growth in recent years, with particularly high activity in Tananger. In 2024, the industry had a total of 21 employees and achieved sales of 44.7 million NOK. There are three registered cafés in the municipality, two of which were operationally profitable in 2024. One of the largest businesses, Madla Handelslag Sa Losen Spiseri, had an EBITDA of 1.9 million NOK and 24 employees in 2024. The industry has also shown strong growth in the number of employees, with an increase of 23.8% from 2025 to 2026. This indicates a positive development in the sector, even though one of the businesses had a negative EBITDA in 2024.

The café industry in Sola has experienced sales growth of 114.8% from 2023 to 2024, but a decline of 3.1% from 2024 to 2025. The number of employees has increased significantly, with a rise of 90.9% from 2023 to 2024. This shows that the industry has been active in developing its operations and workforce. There is, however, a slight decline in sales in 2025, which may be due to market variations or specific conditions in the municipality.

In Sola, there are three registered cafés in the industry:

1. Madla Handelslag Sa Losen Spiseri (Tananger) – SA company, 24 employees, sales of 39.8 million NOK in 2024, EBITDA of 1.9 million NOK.
2. Drivhuset Kafé As (Sola) – AS company, 4 employees, sales of 3.5 million NOK in 2024, EBITDA of -387,000 NOK.
3. Joe & The Juice Stavanger Airport (Sola) – AS company, 0 employees, sales of 0 NOK in 2024, EBITDA of 0 NOK.

There is a clear difference in financial performance between the businesses, with one of them having a negative EBITDA. This can be an important factor to consider for new entrants in the industry.

It is clear that Tananger has a dominant role in the café industry in Sola, with a large business and high sales volume. Sola has a smaller presence, with a business that has a negative EBITDA. This may indicate that Tananger has better conditions for cafés, while Sola may have greater challenges in the industry.

The industry has been relatively stable in terms of bankruptcy, with no registered bankruptcies in 2024. However, one of the businesses, Drivhuset Kafé As, had a negative EBITDA, which may be an indication of economic challenges. There is also a large difference in EBITDA margins between the businesses, with one having a margin of 4% and another with -11%. This shows that there is significant variation in financial performance within the industry.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

The café industry in Sola shows potential for growth, especially in Tananger, where there is a large business with high sales volume and positive EBITDA. This can be a good indication that there are opportunities for new entrants in the area. However, entrepreneurs should be aware of the financial challenges shown by one of the businesses, which had a negative EBITDA. This can be an important factor to consider when planning a new café in the municipality. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Sola for cafés, based on data and market analyses.

The broader industry restaurant / café in Sola has 44 businesses, showing that the café industry is part of a larger sector. Sales in the broader industry had a growth of 7.2% from 2024 to 2025, with total sales of 288.6 million NOK. There is also growth in the number of employees, with an increase of 1.9% from 2025 to 2026. When compared to the café industry, the broader industry shows a more stable development, with less variation in sales and employees. This may indicate that the café industry has greater variations in performance, while the broader industry has a more even development. There are also more businesses in the broader industry, which may provide better opportunities for collaboration and development.

The café industry in Sola has shown growth in both the number of employees and sales, especially in Tananger. However, there are variations in financial performance, with one of the businesses having a negative EBITDA. This can be an important factor to consider for new entrants in the industry. The broader industry restaurant / café has a more stable development, which may provide better opportunities for entrepreneurs. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Sola for cafés, based on data and market analyses.