The Nightclub Industry in Trondheim: Current Status, Development, and Future

The nightclub industry in Trondheim has a complex history with both strong growth and challenges. In 2023, the municipality had 3 registered nightclubs, but one of these (Kjempehyggelig As) went bankrupt in 2025. Sales have been highly variable, with a sharp decline of 75.7% in 2020 (due to the pandemic) and an increase of 146% in 2022. Employment has also been unstable, with a significant decline of 54.4% from 2024 to 2025. The industry shows both potential and risk, with a mix of stable businesses and a bankruptcy that highlights vulnerability.

Sales Development

• 2016: NOK 55.8 million
• 2020: NOK 13.9 million (decline of 75.7%)
• 2022: NOK 54.1 million (increase of 146%)
• 2025: NOK 34.7 million (decline of 2.7%)

Employment

• 2016: 235 employees
• 2021: 180 employees (decline of 13.9%)
• 2023: 227 employees (increase of 18.2%)
• 2026: 88 employees (decline of 6.4%)

Sales and employee numbers have been highly unstable, with a sharp decline in 2020 and an increase in 2022. This dynamic illustrates the industry's vulnerability to external factors, but also its potential for recovery.

Registered Companies

1. Jacobs Restauranter As (Nordreg 28/30) – 64 employees, AS, established 1991-05-03
2. Studio 26 As (Nordre gate 26) – 26 employees, AS, established 2012-06-07
3. Kjempehyggelig As (Dronningens gate 12) – 0 employees, AS, established 2018-01-01 (bankrupt)

Organizational Form

• AS: 2 companies, 90 employees, operating income NOK 48.2 million, sales NOK 48.2 million, EBITDA NOK 8.4 million

Geographic Distribution

• Trondheim: 2 companies, 90 employees, operating income NOK 48.2 million, sales NOK 48.2 million, EBITDA NOK 8.4 million, gross profit NOK 38.7 million, operating profit NOK 7.0 million

All registered nightclubs in Trondheim are located in the municipality's central areas, with a focus on Nordre gate and Dronningens gate.

Bankruptcies and Dynamics

• Kjempehyggelig As (Dronningens gate 12):
• Sales: NOK 12.1 million
• EBITDA: NOK -4.5 million
• Employees: 0
• Total debt: NOK 1.6 million

The industry has been marked by a bankruptcy in 2025, but the remaining companies show stable operations. The EBITDA margin for nightclubs in Trondheim stands at 17% (2023), indicating better profitability compared to the bankruptcy.

Development for Entrepreneurs

The nightclub industry in Trondheim shows both opportunities and challenges. With a sales increase of 146% from 2021 to 2022, there may be potential for growth. However, the bankruptcy of Kjempehyggelig As shows that the industry is vulnerable to economic downturns. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on stable models and diversifying income sources. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Trondheim for nightclubs with good views.

Comparison with the Bar/Club Sector

• Bar/club sector in Trondheim:
• 52 companies (2025)
• Sales: NOK 258.8 million (2025)
• Employees: 616
• EBITDA: Variable, with some companies showing high profitability (e.g., Studentersamfundet Trondheim with NOK 11.0 million EBITDA)

Nightclubs make up a smaller part of the broader bar/club sector, but show higher EBITDA margins (17% vs. sector average). This may indicate that nightclubs have potential for better profitability, but with higher risk compared to traditional bars.

The nightclub industry in Trondheim shows both potential and challenges. With strong growth after the pandemic and a high EBITDA margin, there may be opportunities for stable businesses. However, the bankruptcy shows that the industry is vulnerable to economic downturns. Entrepreneurs should consider combining nightclub models with other activities from the bar/club sector to reduce risk. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Trondheim for nightclubs with good views.