The Pub Industry in Trondheim: Current Status and Outlook

The pub industry in Trondheim has shown both strength and variation in recent years. With 12 registered companies and 141 employees in 2026, the sector is relatively stable, even though there have been periods of significant fluctuations in revenue and employees. The most prominent companies operate with high EBITDA margins (up to 18%) and demonstrate that there is potential for profitability. At the same time, data shows that the sector has been affected by external factors such as the pandemic and subsequent economic conditions, but has shown resilience with a 17.5% increase in the number of employees from 2025 to 2026.

Economic Trends

Revenue and Employees:

Key Figures:

• Average revenue per employee: NOK 1.1M (2026)
• Average EBITDA margin: 10%
• Highest EBITDA margin: 18% (Den Gode Naboen As)
• Lowest EBITDA margin: 2% (Ramp Pub & Spiseri As)

Conclusion: Revenue has been volatile, but has shown strong recovery after 2020. The number of employees has increased continuously since 2022, indicating improved economic conditions and increased demand for pub services in Trondheim.

Trondheim has 12 registered companies in the pub industry, with the following organizational forms:

• AS (7 companies): Dominates with 161 employees and an average revenue of NOK 115.8M.
• ENK (3 companies): Has no employees and no revenue.
• ANS (1 company): Has no employees and no revenue.

Key Companies:

• God Drikke As (Munkegata 25): New company established in 2025, but with 0 revenue and employees.
• Lille London As (Carl Johans gate 10): Established in 1993, with 29 employees and an EBITDA margin of 9%.
• Den Gode Naboen As (Øvre Bakklandet 66): Has the highest EBITDA margin (18%) and a revenue of NOK 18.8M.

Observation: Several companies have high EBITDA margins, but there are also companies with low or negative EBITDA (e.g., Ramp Pub & Spiseri As). There are no bankruptcy registrations in the industry.

All 12 companies in the pub industry in Trondheim are registered in the municipality, with a focus on the following areas:

• Trondheim city center: Lille London As, God Drikke As, Three Lions Pub As, Den Gode Naboen As, Ramp Pub & Spiseri As.
• Heimdal: Heimdalingen Pub Og Disco Ans (no employees or revenue).
• Other areas: Companies such as Macbeth Schottish Pub and Falconetti Rugelsjøen are located in Trondheim, but with 0 employees and 0 revenue.

Conclusion: Activity is concentrated in Trondheim city center, with some companies in the periphery. There are no significant geographical variations in revenue or employees.

Bankruptcy and Operating Results:

• No bankruptcy registrations in the pub industry in Trondheim.
• EBITDA margins range from 2% (Ramp Pub & Spiseri As) to 18% (Den Gode Naboen As).
• Understaffed companies: Hoftaniska Gongfu, Lerchendal Pub As and Reppe Leikvoll have no employees or revenue.

Operating Results:

• Positive EBITDA: 10 of 12 companies have positive EBITDA.
• Negative EBITDA: 2 companies (Ramp Pub & Spiseri As and Macbeth Schottish Pub) have low or negative EBITDA.

Conclusion: The industry is stable with no bankruptcies, but there are variations in profitability. Companies with high EBITDA margins have a clear advantage in a competitive market.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

Opportunities:

• Increasing number of employees: +17.5% from 2025 to 2026 indicates increased demand for pub services.
• High EBITDA margins: Companies such as Den Gode Naboen As and Lille London As show that profitability is achievable.
• Market Key: Trondheim has a relatively stable pub industry with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

Challenges:

• Bankruptcy risk: No bankruptcy registrations, but companies with low EBITDA margins may be vulnerable.
• Market economy: Revenue has been volatile, with a decline of 15.3% from 2024 to 2025.

Recommendation: Entrepreneurs should focus on establishing themselves in Trondheim city center, where there is the most activity. It is also important to ensure high EBITDA margins through efficient operations and customer adaptation.

Comparison with the Bar/Club Sector:

• Number of companies: The bar/club sector has 52 companies, while the pub industry has 12 companies.
• Revenue: The bar/club sector had revenue of NOK 258.8M in 2025, while the pub industry had NOK 83.7M.
• EBITDA margins: The pub industry has higher average EBITDA margins (10%) compared to the bar/club sector (not provided).

Peer Companies:

Conclusion: The bar/club sector is larger and more diversified, but the pub industry has higher profitability. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in the pub industry to leverage higher EBITDA margins.

The pub industry in Trondheim shows potential for growth and profitability, especially with high EBITDA margins and an increasing number of employees. At the same time, the sector is stable with no bankruptcy registrations. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Trondheim city center, where there is the most activity, and focus on efficient operations to ensure high EBITDA margins. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and develop strategies to succeed in this market key.