The Pub Industry in Porsgrunn: Current Status and Future Prospects

The pub industry in Porsgrunn shows dynamic development over recent years. From 2023 to 2025, sales increased by 22.9%, from NOK 11.4M to NOK 15.5M. This is a significant improvement compared to previous years, especially after a decline in 2020 and 2021. Employee numbers have also shown stable growth, from 21 employees in 2023 to 28 employees in 2026, indicating increased activity and possibly expansion of existing businesses.

Key figures from 2025:

• Sales: NOK 15.5M
• Employees: 28
• EBITDA margin: 0%
• Operating profit: -NOK 575,000
• Gross profit: NOK 10.0M

It is, however, important to note that the EBITDA margin is negative, which may indicate increased operating costs or lower revenues compared to operating results. This should be considered in relation to competition from nearby sectors such as bars and clubs, which are also present in the municipality.

In Porsgrunn, there are 2 companies in the pub industry. These companies are:

1. Karjolen Pub As (Sverresgate 19) – Founded in 2007, 24 employees, operating profit -NOK 575,000, EBITDA -NOK 71,000.
2. Heistadpub'n As (Fjordgløttvegen 1) – Founded in 2023, 5 employees, operating profit 0, EBITDA 0.

Organizational form: Both companies are registered as AS (limited company), indicating a standardized structure for businesses in this industry in the municipality. There are no registered bankruptcies for these companies, showing relative stability in the industry.

The pub industry in Porsgrunn is concentrated in the Porsgrunn area, with 2 companies and 29 employees. There is no spread to other city districts or municipalities. The sales volume in Porsgrunn is NOK 15.8M, with an average income per employee of NOK 822,800. This shows that businesses in the municipality have a relatively high income per employee compared to other areas.

Geographic focus: There are no indications that the pub industry is spread to other city districts in the municipality. This may indicate a centralized structure, with a focus on the Porsgrunn city center as the main market.

The industry has shown stable development over recent years, with an increase in the number of employees from 21 in 2023 to 28 in 2026. This indicates that the businesses have been able to develop, even though there have been periods of decline in sales and operating results.

Bankruptcy statistics: There are no registered bankruptcies for the pub industry in Porsgrunn, showing relative stability. However, the EBITDA margin is negative, which may indicate increased operating costs or lower revenues compared to operating results. This should be considered in relation to competition from nearby sectors such as bars and clubs.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs considering starting a pub in Porsgrunn, the data show a rising market key. Sales have increased by 22.9% from 2023 to 2025, and the number of employees has increased by 3.7% from 2025 to 2026. This indicates that there is an increasing need for pubs in the municipality, especially in relation to existing companies.

Outlook: However, it is important to be aware of the negative EBITDA margins and lower operating results. This may indicate a competitive market environment, where operating costs and revenues must be balanced carefully. Entrepreneurs should also consider the competition from nearby sectors such as bars and clubs, which are also present in the municipality.

The broader bar/club sector in Porsgrunn has 9 companies, showing that this sector is more developed than the pub industry. Sales have increased by 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, from NOK 23.4M to NOK 27.3M, while the number of employees has increased by 1.8% from 2024 to 2025. This shows that the bar/club sector has a more stable development compared to the pub industry.

Peer companies: Current peer companies in the bar/club sector include:

• Stockmand As (Storgata 114) – EBITDA NOK 405,000, sales NOK 3.0M, 4 employees.
• Sailors Inn As (Storgata 99) – EBITDA NOK 23,000, sales NOK 6.5M, 16 employees.
• Daimlers As (Jernbanegata 2) – EBITDA -NOK 187,000, sales NOK 2.4M, 9 employees.

Conclusion: The bar/club sector has a more stable development compared to the pub industry, with higher sales and more companies. This may indicate a competitive market environment, where entrepreneurs must consider how they can differentiate themselves from existing businesses.

The pub industry in Porsgrunn shows an increasing trend in sales and number of employees, but there are also challenges such as negative EBITDA margins and competition from nearby sectors such as bars and clubs. Entrepreneurs should carefully consider these factors, while also taking advantage of the positive development trends in the municipality. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and develop strategies that adapt to the local market environment.