The Restaurant Industry in Holmestrand: Current Status and Future Prospects

The restaurant industry in Holmestrand has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years. With 49 companies registered in the municipality (out of a total of 62 in the broader restaurant/café category), the industry is an important part of the local economy. The companies operate with a combination of AS entities (22 companies) and ENK entities (2 companies), and there are 293 employees registered in 2024. Economic data shows a sales growth of 34.6% from 2019 to 2020, but a decline of 29.2% from 2023 to 2024. EBITDA margins vary significantly, with some companies achieving positive figures (e.g., Gamle Eidsfos Kro with 10%) and others reporting negative values (e.g., Mojo Restaurant As with -18%).

Sales and employees in the restaurant industry in Holmestrand have shown variations in recent years. Sales experienced a significant increase of 34.6% from 2019 to 2020, but fell by 29.2% from 2023 to 2024. The number of employees has grown from 107 in 2016 to 293 in 2024, before declining to 253 in 2026. EBITDA margins range from -18% (Mojo Restaurant As) to 11% (U.S. Iceplace As). There are 16 companies registered without operating results, and several have negative EBITDA values, showing variations in financial health.

In Holmestrand, there are 16 companies registered in the restaurant industry, distributed between AS entities and ENK entities. Key players include:

• Gamle Eidsfos Kro (Eidsfoss): 21 employees, 9.3 M NOK in sales, 10% EBITDA margin.
• Mojo Restaurant As (Holmestrand): 17 employees, 5.8 M NOK in sales, -18% EBITDA margin.
• U.S. Iceplace As (Holmestrand): 9 employees, 3.1 M NOK in sales, 11% EBITDA margin.

Most companies have not registered operating results, and some have negative EBITDA values. The AS entity form dominates with 22 companies, while ENK is less represented.

Restaurant activity in Holmestrand is divided into three main areas:

1. Holmestrand: 17 companies, 174 employees, 18.4 M NOK in operating income, but -6% EBITDA margin.
2. Sande I Vestfold: 5 companies, 51 employees, 6.2 M NOK in operating income, 10% EBITDA margin.
3. Eidsfoss: 2 companies, 47 employees, 9.3 M NOK in operating income, 10% EBITDA margin.

Holmestrand has the most companies, but a lower EBITDA margin compared to Sande I Vestfold and Eidsfoss. Eidsfoss has the highest operating income per employee (492.2 K NOK), while Holmestrand has the lowest (516.9 K NOK).

The industry has shown variations in operating results and EBITDA. Gamle Eidsfos Kro and Tollerudelva As have positive EBITDA values (10%), while Mojo Restaurant As and Lilleholmestrand As report negative figures. There are 16 companies registered without operating results, and some have negative EBITDA values. Sales growth has been positive in 2020 (34.6%), but there has been a decline in 2024 (-29.2%). This shows that the industry has both growth periods and challenges, especially in 2024.

For entrepreneurs in Holmestrand, the restaurant industry is both an opportunity and a challenge. In recent years, there has been growth in the number of employees (from 107 in 2016 to 293 in 2024), but a decline in sales from 2023 to 2024. EBITDA margins vary significantly, showing that it is possible to achieve profitability, but there are also companies with negative figures. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on efficiency improvements and marketing to compete in an industry with both growth and competitive companies.

The broader restaurant/café category in Holmestrand has 62 companies, compared to 49 in the restaurant industry. Sales in the category have shown growth of 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, while the number of employees has increased by 4.8%. Peer companies in the category include:

• Paletten Restaurant As (café): 13 employees, 7.0 M NOK in sales, 1.3 M NOK EBITDA.
• Pizzadrift Sande As (pizza delivery): 17 employees, 3.8 M NOK in sales, 453.0 K NOK EBITDA.

The category has higher sales and employees than the restaurant industry, but also variations in EBITDA. Entrepreneurs should consider analyzing both the restaurant industry and the café sector to find opportunities.

The restaurant industry in Holmestrand has shown both growth and challenges. With 49 companies and 293 employees in 2024, the industry is an important part of the local economy. Economic data shows variations in EBITDA margins, and there are opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to establish themselves in a competitive sector. At the same time, it is important to be aware of operating results and marketing to ensure profitability. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and strategies to establish themselves in Holmestrand.