The Restaurant Industry in Kristiansand: An Analysis of Companies, Statistics, and Opportunities

Kristiansand is a key city for the restaurant industry in Agder, with over 200 registered companies in the municipality. In 2026, the industry employed 2,191 people and generated annual revenue of 719.5 million NOK. Although there have been challenges such as bankruptcy and revenue declines in 2025, data shows stable growth in employment and a high average gross profit margin of 229%. However, the industry also has weaknesses, including negative EBITDA values for some companies and a revenue decline of 28.7% from 2024 to 2025. This should be carefully considered by entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the industry.

Economic Trends

Revenue and Employees:

The industry had stable revenue from 2016 to 2024, peaking at 686.3 million NOK in 2024. However, a significant decline of 28.7% was recorded in 2025, which may be attributed to external factors such as economic downturns or bankruptcies. The number of employees increased by 17.0% from 2025 to 2026, indicating increased activity in the industry.

Average Figures:

• Gross Profit Margin: 229%
• EBITDA Margin: 7%
• Operating Profit: 4%

These figures show that the restaurant industry in Kristiansand has a high level of efficiency, particularly in terms of gross profit margin. The EBITDA margin and operating profit, however, are lower, which may be due to high operating costs or bankruptcy challenges.

Key Players in the Industry

In Kristiansand, 16 companies are registered in the restaurant industry, but the total number of companies in the municipality is 204. Some of the most notable companies include:

• Restaurant Sjøhuset Drift As (Østre Strandgate 12A): 68 employees, 31.2 million NOK in revenue, 2.5 million NOK in EBITDA.
• Som Hos Moi As (Nodeviga 2): 68 employees, 23.7 million NOK in revenue, 4.2 million NOK in EBITDA.
• Foodcourt Sørlandssenteret Avd 1368 (Barstølveien 31): 49 employees, 47.9 million NOK in revenue, 2.3 million NOK in EBITDA.

Organizational Forms:

• AS (109 companies, 2,476 employees): The most common organizational form.
• Enk (4 companies, 21 employees): Less common, with no revenue.
• Sær (1 company, 14 employees): Individual companies with high profit margins.

These organizational forms show that most companies in the industry are AS entities, which is typical for Norwegian businesses.

The restaurant industry is most concentrated in Kristiansand, with 102 companies and 2,338 employees. Other areas with activity include:

Kristiansand is therefore the central area for the restaurant industry, with high revenue and EBITDA. Søgne and Hamresanden also have significant presence, while Flekkerøy and Nodeland have lower activity.

Six bankrupt companies have been registered in the restaurant industry in Kristiansand, including:

• Devens Cafe As (Vedderlia 23, Søgne): 0 employees, 0 revenue, 0 EBITDA.
• Tol 24 As (Tollbodgata 2): 0 employees, 16.3 million NOK in revenue, -1.6 million NOK in EBITDA.
• Værtshuset Pieder Ro Drift As (Gravane 10): 0 employees, 20.8 million NOK in revenue, -1.2 million NOK in EBITDA.

Bankruptcy Statistics:

• Kristiansand: 5 companies, 0 employees, -2.9 million NOK in EBITDA, -8% operating profit.
• Søgne: 1 company, 0 employees, 0 EBITDA, 0 operating profit.

The bankruptcies show that some companies in the industry have high operational risk, especially in areas with low revenue and negative EBITDA values. This should be carefully considered by entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the industry.

For entrepreneurs considering starting a restaurant in Kristiansand, data shows both opportunities and challenges. The industry has a high level of efficiency, with an average gross profit margin of 229%, and there are many companies in the municipality. However, there are also bankruptcies and negative EBITDA values, which can be a challenge. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Kristiansand, where there is the most activity, but also be aware of operational risks and bankruptcy challenges.

The broader industry (restaurant/café) in Kristiansand has 248 companies, which is more than the 204 companies in the restaurant industry. Revenue for the broader industry grew by 11.1% from 2023 to 2024, but also recorded a decline of 29.7% from 2024 to 2025. This shows that the broader industry has a more stable development than the restaurant industry.

Peer Companies in the Broader Industry:

• Hh Sushi As (Kirkegata 8): 20 employees, 25.2 million NOK in revenue, 7.3 million NOK in EBITDA.
• Raj As (Markens gate 6): 46 employees, 30.9 million NOK in revenue, 3.9 million NOK in EBITDA.
• Select Service Partner As Avd Kristiansand Lufthavn Kjevik (Kristiansand Airport): 30 employees, 32.3 million NOK in revenue, 2.9 million NOK in EBITDA.

These companies show that the broader industry has higher revenue and EBITDA than the restaurant industry, which can be an advantage for entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the industry.

The restaurant industry in Kristiansand has both opportunities and challenges. The industry has a high level of efficiency, with an average gross profit margin of 229%, and there are many companies in the municipality. However, there are also bankruptcies and negative EBITDA values, which can be a challenge. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Kristiansand, where there is the most activity, but also be aware of operational risks and bankruptcy challenges. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in the municipality for the restaurant industry, based on data and analysis.