Pubs in Ålesund: Industry Analysis and Development Trends

The pub industry in Ålesund is a small but dynamic sector with two registered companies. In recent years, the industry has shown both challenges and opportunities, with a significant decline in the number of employees from 59 in 2016 to 8 in 2026. At the same time, sales have grown from NOK 3.7 million in 2021 to NOK 8.3 million in 2025. The industry has not recorded any bankruptcies, indicating a certain level of stability. For entrepreneurs and local decision-makers, it is important to note both the positive aspects of the sales development and the challenges arising from a reduced workforce.

Economic Trends

The industry has experienced a complex development. Sales grew by 92.3% from 2021 to 2022, indicating a strong recovery after a period of decline. In 2025, sales reached NOK 8.3 million, with an annual growth rate of 8.8%. The EBITDA margin stands at 7%, demonstrating good cost efficiency. The number of employees, however, has fallen sharply, from 59 in 2016 to 8 in 2026, which may affect the industry's ability to drive further development.

Key Economic Figures

• Sales in 2025: NOK 8.3 million
• Number of employees in 2026: 8
• EBITDA margin: 7%
• Gross margin: 58%

Registered Companies

In Ålesund, there are two companies registered in the pub industry:

1. Smutthullet Pub As (Einarvikgata 1, Ålesund)

• Organizational form: AS
• Founded: September 29, 1996
• Number of employees: 8
• Sales: NOK 8.3 million
• EBITDA: NOK 625,000

1. Approach Pub John Børre Fjærli (Moa park 4, Ålesund)

• Organizational form: ENK
• Founded: October 22, 2019
• Number of employees: 0
• Sales: NOK 0

Organizational Forms

• AS: 1 company, 8 employees
• ENK: 1 company, 0 employees

Distribution of Activity

The industry is primarily active in Ålesund, with one registered activity in the municipality. Although there are two companies, they are located at different addresses within the municipality. This indicates that the pub industry has a relatively dispersed presence, even though the number of companies is limited.

Dynamics and Stability

The industry has not recorded any bankruptcies, indicating a certain level of stability. However, the number of employees has shown significant variations over time, with a sharp decline from 27 in 2018 to 8 in 2026. This could be a challenge for future development, especially in a sector that depends on qualified labor. Sales, however, have grown strongly after 2021, indicating a recovery after a period of decline.

Future Perspectives

The pub industry in Ålesund shows signs of recovery, especially after 2021. Sales have grown at an annual rate of 8.8% from 2022 to 2025, and the EBITDA margin stands at 7%, demonstrating good cost efficiency. For entrepreneurs, this could be a positive signal, but it is also important to note the challenges arising from a reduced workforce. It may be necessary to focus on attracting and retaining employees to ensure sustainable growth.

Comparison with the Broader Sector

The pub industry is part of the broader bar/club sector, which has more companies (7) and a higher sales volume. In 2025, sales in the bar/club sector amounted to NOK 21.2 million, compared to NOK 8.3 million for the pub industry. This shows that the pub industry is a smaller but important part of the broader sector. Key companies in the bar/club sector include Ees Invest As (56 employees) and O'connors Ålesund (13 employees, NOK 13 million in sales). This can provide entrepreneurs with a basis for comparing opportunities and challenges in the two sectors.

The pub industry in Ålesund shows both potential and challenges. With a strong recovery in sales and a stable EBITDA margin, the industry can be an attractive sector for entrepreneurs. At the same time, it is important to focus on ensuring a stable workforce, which can be a challenge. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Ålesund for this industry, with a focus on development opportunities and local conditions.