The Restaurant Industry in Askøy: Current Status and Future Prospects

The restaurant industry in Askøy has grown significantly in recent years, with an increase in the number of employees from 49 in 2016 to 134 in 2026. Although sales experienced a sharp decline of 41% in 2025, data shows stable growth in the number of employees and a broad distribution of businesses across the municipality's centers. The industry is dominated by AS companies, and there are no bankrupt companies registered in 2026. Future perspectives indicate potential in Kleppestø, but with necessary attention to margins and operating results.

Sales and employee development:

• Sales: Sales experienced a sharp decline of 41% in 2025, from NOK 38.4 million in 2024 to NOK 22.7 million. This is a unique development compared to previous years' growth.
• Employees: The number of employees has grown continuously, from 49 in 2016 to 134 in 2026, with an average annual growth of 6.5%.

Yearly development:

Municipal data: In 2026, the industry had 15 companies and 134 employees, with an average income per employee of NOK 660,500.

Registered companies:

• Total: 15 companies in the industry in Askøy in 2026.
• Organizational form: 10 companies are AS, with an average income per employee of NOK 660,500 and an average EBITDA margin of 4%.

Key companies:

Note: Some companies have negative EBITDA values, such as Fromritoppen Pizzeria As, which had an EBITDA margin of -1% in 2026.

Distribution of businesses in the municipality:

• Kleppestø: 7 companies, 119 employees, sales of NOK 27.7 million, and an average income per employee of NOK 649,300.
• Florvåg: 1 company, 10 employees, sales of NOK 5.8 million, and an EBITDA margin of 5%.
• Strusshamn: 1 company, 6 employees, sales of NOK 3.5 million, and an EBITDA margin of 21%.
• Kjerrgarden: 1 company, 4 employees, sales of NOK 2.4 million, and an EBITDA margin of -1%.

Kleppestø's dominance: Kleppestø is the most active center in the industry, with 7 companies and 119 employees, showing a strong concentration of business in this area.

Bankruptcies and operating results:

• Bankruptcies: There are no bankrupt companies registered in the industry in 2026, showing stable operations.
• Operating results: Some companies have negative operating results, such as Fromritoppen Pizzeria As, which had an operating result of -133.0K in 2026. This shows that some companies may have challenges with cost control and income levels.

Operating margins: The most profitable companies have higher EBITDA margins, such as Panda Mat As with 21%, while others have lower or negative margins, such as Fromritoppen Pizzeria As with -1%.

Sales decline in 2025: The sharp sales decline of 41% in 2025 may be a challenge for the industry, but it is important to note that the number of employees has continued to grow. This may indicate that companies have focused on expanding operations and employees, even though sales have fallen.

Opportunities in Kleppestø: With 7 companies and 119 employees in Kleppestø, this center is a potential area for new businesses, especially if they can adapt to local needs and compete effectively.

Operating results: It is important to pay attention to operating results and EBITDA margins, as some companies have negative values. This may indicate a need for improvements in cost control and income levels.

Broader industry grouping:

• Number of companies: 19 companies in the restaurant/café industry in 2026, compared to 15 companies in the restaurant industry.
• Sales: Sales experienced a decline of 32.9% in 2025, from NOK 45.6 million in 2024 to NOK 30.6 million.
• Employees: The number of employees has grown from 105 in 2024 to 152 in 2026, with an average annual growth of 18.8%.

Peer companies:

Note: Sushi Namnam Askøy As has the highest EBITDA among peer companies, with NOK 287.0K, while Catering Bergen Antony Jesuthasan has zero sales and EBITDA.

The restaurant industry in Askøy shows a growing trend in the number of employees, despite a sharp sales decline in 2025. There are opportunities for new businesses, especially in Kleppestø, but it is important to pay attention to operating results and EBITDA margins. SmartGrunder can help founders find suitable addresses in the municipality for this industry, with a focus on operating economics and local needs.