The Restaurant Industry in Kvam: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

The restaurant industry in Kvam has shown both strengths and challenges in recent years. With 14 registered companies in the municipality, including both AS companies and sole proprietorships, the industry is relatively dispersed. Economic data shows a marked increase in sales from 2020 to 2023, but also significant variations between individual companies. At the same time, the number of employees has grown from 34 in 2016 to 61 in 2026, although there have been periods of significant declines. The industry also has a mix of active and less active companies, with some that have managed to maintain operations and others that are inactive.

Sales for the restaurant industry in Kvam have grown from NOK 2.1 million in 2016 to NOK 8.7 million in 2025, with a marked increase from 2020 to 2023. There is an annual growth of +609% from 2020 to 2021, indicating a strong recovery after a period of decline. The number of employees has grown from 34 in 2016 to 61 in 2026, with a growth of +41.9% from 2025 to 2026. However, there are large variations between years, with a decline of -100% from 2018 to 2019 and an increase of +38.9% from 2023 to 2024.

In Kvam, the restaurant industry is represented by 14 companies, including both AS companies and sole proprietorships. The key companies include:

• Hardingasete As (Tørvikbygd): 26 employees, operating income NOK 5.0 million, but with a negative operating result of NOK -891,000.
• Norheimsund Pizza As (Norheimsund): 5 employees, operating income NOK 3.4 million and a positive operating result of NOK 56,000.
• Gamlastovo Gardsrestaurant (Steinstø): 0 employees, but with a high growth of +28% in sales and a positive operating result of NOK 383,000.

Most companies are AS companies, with four such companies together having 71 employees and an operating income of NOK 8.4 million. There are also sole proprietorships, but these often have fewer employees and smaller operating results.

Restaurant activity in Kvam is distributed across three main areas:

1. Øystese: 2 companies with a total of 40 employees, but no operating income or sales reported.
2. Tørvikbygd: 1 company with 26 employees, operating income NOK 5.0 million and a negative operating result of NOK -891,000.
3. Norheimsund: 1 company with 5 employees, operating income NOK 3.4 million and a positive operating result of NOK 56,000.

There is a clear difference in performance between the areas, with Norheimsund having the most stable operating result, while Øystese has no reported sales or operating income.

The industry has been relatively stable in terms of bankruptcy. Only one company (Hardingasete As) has reported bankruptcy, indicating that most companies have managed to maintain operations. However, there are variations in financial results, with some companies having negative operating results and others having positive ones. This shows that there are both challenges and opportunities for companies in the industry.

The restaurant industry in Kvam has shown strong growth in sales and number of employees in recent years, especially from 2020 to 2023. This indicates that there are opportunities for new companies in the industry, especially with high sales growth and a growing workforce. There is also a mix of companies with both positive and negative operating results, which may indicate that there are both challenges and opportunities for new players. SmartGrunder can help founders find suitable locations in Kvam for restaurant operations, based on local trends and potential.

When comparing the restaurant industry with the broader restaurant / café category in Kvam, the data shows that the broader category has more companies (17) than the restaurant industry (14). Sales for the broader category have grown from NOK 3.8 million in 2016 to NOK 10.2 million in 2025, showing stronger growth than in the restaurant industry. The number of employees in the broader category has also grown from 59 in 2016 to 65 in 2026. Current peer companies in the broader category include:

• Kaffimat As (café, Norheimsund): NOK 1.5 million in sales and NOK 194,000 in EBITDA.
• Feng Yuan As (café, Norheimsund): No sales or EBITDA reported.
• Zhengs Sushi Hjørna (sushi restaurant, Steinstø): No sales or EBITDA reported.

The broader category therefore has a more diversified structure, with both cafés and specialized restaurants, which may give founders in the restaurant industry opportunities to differentiate themselves.

The restaurant industry in Kvam has shown both strengths and challenges, with strong growth in sales and number of employees in recent years. There are opportunities for new companies, especially with high sales growth and a growing workforce. At the same time, it is important to be aware of the variations between companies, with both positive and negative operating results. SmartGrunder can help founders find suitable locations in Kvam for restaurant operations, based on local trends and potential.