The Café Industry in Tromsø: Outlook, Companies, and Economy

The café industry in Tromsø shows dynamic development with both growth and variations in profitability. In recent years, the number of employees has increased significantly, from 80 in 2024 to 163 in 2026, while sales have grown from NOK 102 million in 2025 to an expected value of NOK 102 million in 2025. This indicates stable growth, even though there have been periods of decline, such as in 2020-2021. EBITDA margins vary greatly, with some cafés achieving high values up to 24%, while others have negative margins. This underscores the importance of efficient operations and differentiation in a competitive market.

Sales and number of employees in Tromsø's café industry have shown fluctuations over the years. From 2016 to 2025, sales have varied between NOK 69.3 million and NOK 102 million, with strong growth of 24.8% from 2024 to 2025. The number of employees has increased from 67 in 2016 to 163 in 2026, with a growth of 35.8% from 2025 to 2026. This shows a clear trend toward increased activity and development in the industry. EBITDA margins have varied between 0% and 24%, which may be due to variations in operating costs and revenues.

In Tromsø, there are 16 cafés registered in the industry, with a total of 134 employees. The most represented organizational forms are AS, with 9 companies, and SA, with 1 company. Some of the most well-known companies include Obs Tromsø Kafe 5262 (22 employees, NOK 72.3 million in operating income) and Jordbærpikene Nerstranda As (20 employees, NOK 12.6 million in operating income). There are also companies such as Fryd Kafé & Interiør As (18 employees, NOK 9.1 million in operating income) and Risø Mat & Kaffebar As (15 employees, NOK 8.8 million in operating income). These companies show a wide variation in size and profitability.

The café industry in Tromsø is most active in the district of Tromsø, where 9 companies are registered with a total of 134 employees. Other areas such as Kvaløysletta and a third location also have activity, but with fewer companies (1 company each). In Kvaløysletta, Pizzaheaven Kvaløya As is registered, which has 13 employees but no sales or operating income. This may indicate that the company is new or not operational yet. In the other areas, companies such as Havfrua Kro Anne Grete Jensen and Biltrend Kafè As are also registered, which have fewer employees and no sales.

The café industry in Tromsø has been relatively stable in terms of bankruptcy. No bankruptcies have been registered in the industry, which shows good operational security. However, there are several companies with no sales or operating income, such as Pizzaheaven Kvaløya As, Aile Kafe As, and Longfood As. This may indicate that these companies are newly established or not operational yet. There are also companies such as Biltrend Kafè As with negative EBITDA values, which may indicate challenges in operational economics.

For entrepreneurs considering starting a café in Tromsø, the data show that the industry has positive development with increasing numbers of employees and sales. There are also variations in profitability, which can provide opportunities to find a differentiated position in the market. However, there are also challenges, such as companies with no sales or negative EBITDA values. Entrepreneurs should therefore consider analyzing the market thoroughly and finding a unique business model that can provide profitability in a competitive industry.

Compared to the café industry, the broader restaurant and café industry in Tromsø is more extensive, with 155 companies. Sales in this industry have grown from NOK 760.9 million in 2016 to NOK 878.2 million in 2025, with a growth of 15.5%. The number of employees has also increased from 2022 to 2129 in 2026. Peer companies in this industry include Select Service Partner As Avd Tromsø Lufthavn Langnes (NOK 133.6 million in sales, 148 employees) and Tromsø Nohafa As (NOK 65.4 million in sales, 65 employees). This shows that the restaurant industry in Tromsø is more diversified and has larger companies than the café industry.

The café industry in Tromsø shows positive development with increasing numbers of employees and sales. However, there are variations in profitability, which can provide opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to find a differentiated position in the market. There are also challenges, such as companies with no sales or negative EBITDA values. Entrepreneurs should therefore consider analyzing the market thoroughly and finding a unique business model that can provide profitability in a competitive industry. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Tromsø for the café industry.