Industry · municipality
The Restaurant Industry in Årdal: Current Situation and Future Perspectives
An analysis of companies, statistics, and prospects for the restaurant industry in Årdal municipality
Executive Summary
The restaurant industry in Årdal has experienced a highly dynamic development in recent years. In 2026, there are 8 companies registered in the industry, but the number of employees has remained unchanged at 6 from 2025 to 2026 (a 0% annual decline). Sales have also been on a downward trend, with a significant drop of 99.1% from 2024 to 2025. One of the most interesting observations is that Sletterust Fjellservice AS reports a positive EBITDA of NOK 44.0K, while Stovas Gatekjøkken AS has a negative EBITDA of NOK -11.0K. This shows that the industry has both stable and unstable players. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs identify development opportunities in this municipality for the restaurant industry.
Economic Overview
Sales Development:
| Year | Sales (NOK) | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 11.5M | - |
| 2017 | 11.7M | +1.5% |
| 2018 | 14.5M | +24.0% |
| 2019 | 10.2M | -30.0% |
| 2020 | 10.1M | -0.2% |
| 2021 | 9.9M | -2.1% |
| 2022 | 9.2M | -7.7% |
| 2023 | 7.9M | -13.5% |
| 2024 | 6.9M | -13.3% |
| 2025 | 64.0K | -99.1% |
Employee Development:
| Year | Number of Employees | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 35 | - |
| 2017 | 41 | +17.1% |
| 2018 | 45 | +9.8% |
| 2019 | 40 | -11.1% |
| 2020 | 32 | -20.0% |
| 2021 | 24 | -25.0% |
| 2022 | 27 | +12.5% |
| 2023 | 22 | -18.5% |
| 2024 | 23 | +4.5% |
| 2025 | 17 | -26.1% |
| 2026 | 6 | -64.7% |
Sales have experienced a sharp decline from 2018 to 2025, with a particularly dramatic drop of 99.1% in 2025. The number of employees has also been on a downward trend, with a significant decline of 64.7% from 2025 to 2026. This indicates that the industry has been affected by both economic challenges and a reduction in the number of businesses.
Companies in the Industry
In Årdal, there are 8 companies registered in the restaurant industry. The most important companies are:
- Mama Mia Restaurant AS – Established 2018, 5 employees, located at Storevegen 1, Øvre Årdal.
- Børt's Fusion Restaurant – Established 2024, 0 employees, located at Storevegen 18, Øvre Årdal.
- Damvoktaren AS – Established 2024, 0 employees, located at Vesvegen 21, Øvre Årdal.
- Heilmat AS Konkursbo – Established 2025, 0 employees, located at Storevegen 3, Øvre Årdal.
- Heilmat Drift AS – Established 2026, 0 employees, located at Storevegen 3, Øvre Årdal.
- Sletterust Fjellservice AS – Established 2012, 0 employees, located at Vesvegen 21, Øvre Årdal.
- Stovas Gatekjøkken AS – Established 2001, 0 employees, located at Flotavegen 8B, Øvre Årdal.
- Suriyo Thai Kitchen AS – Established 2026, 0 employees, located at Prestteigvegen 8, Øvre Årdal.
Most companies have 0 employees, with the exception of Mama Mia Restaurant AS, which has 5 employees. The most interesting companies in terms of economic data are Sletterust Fjellservice AS and Stovas Gatekjøkken AS, which have respectively positive and negative EBITDA.
Business Geography
All companies in the restaurant industry in Årdal are registered in Øvre Årdal. There is no activity registered in other districts or places in the municipality. This indicates that the restaurant industry in Årdal is concentrated in a specific part of the municipality, which may be related to location, tourism, or infrastructure. Øvre Årdal therefore has a central role in the industry, and it may be interesting to investigate why the activity is concentrated here.
Business Dynamism
The industry has been characterized by both upward and downward trends. One of the most interesting observations is that Sletterust Fjellservice AS has a positive EBITDA of NOK 44.0K, while Stovas Gatekjøkken AS has a negative EBITDA of NOK -11.0K. This shows that the industry has both stable and unstable players. It is also interesting to note that several companies were established in 2024 and 2026, which may indicate a certain level of interest in starting up in the industry, despite the challenges.
Outlook
The outlook for the restaurant industry in Årdal appears to be challenging, especially after the sharp decline in sales and number of employees in 2025. This may be related to economic challenges, bankruptcy, or changes in consumer behavior. Nevertheless, there are opportunities in the industry, especially for companies with a positive EBITDA that can adapt to the new conditions. For entrepreneurs, it may be interesting to explore opportunities in the industry, especially in Øvre Årdal, where the activity is concentrated. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs identify development opportunities in this municipality for the restaurant industry.
Conclusion
The restaurant industry in Årdal has experienced a highly dynamic development in recent years, with both upward and downward trends. Although there are challenges, it is possible to see opportunities for companies that can adapt to the new conditions. For entrepreneurs, it may be interesting to explore opportunities in the industry, especially in Øvre Årdal, where the activity is concentrated. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs identify development opportunities in this municipality for the restaurant industry.