The Restaurant Industry in Rauma: Current Situation and Future Opportunities

The restaurant industry in Rauma is an important part of the local economy, with 11 registered companies and a total of 80 employees in 2026. The industry has shown variation in its development, with an increase in sales and number of employees from 2016 to 2021, followed by a decline in 2025. Åndalsnes is the most important geographical center, with four companies and 90 employees. One of the most notable development trends is the bankruptcy of Hvelvet Bistro As in 2026, which highlights both opportunities and challenges in the industry. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find natural addresses in Rauma for restaurant operations.

Sales and employee development (2016–2026):

The industry experienced a sales increase of 32.9% from 2016 to 2017, but a sharp decline of 36.5% from 2024 to 2025. The number of employees increased by 59.4% from 2016 to 2017, but declined by 25.0% from 2022 to 2023. The industry's EBITDA margin was 7% in 2022, but fell to -12% for Hvelvet Bistro As in 2026. This shows that the industry has both stable and unstable companies.

Registered companies in Rauma (2026):

1. Mama Rosa Åndalsnes As (Vollan 5, Åndalsnes): 15 employees, 12.3M in sales, 936.0K in EBITDA.
2. Kroken Lars As Trollveggen Visitor Centre (Åndalsnes): 0 employees, 11.9M in sales, 1.2M in EBITDA.
3. Trollstigen Camping & Guesthouse As (Isterdalen, Åndalsnes): 0 employees, 1.8M in sales, 1.5M in EBITDA.
4. Eggen Restaurant (Jernbanegata 1, Åndalsnes): 51 employees, 0 in sales and EBITDA (new company).

Organizational forms:

• 4 companies are AS, with a total of 90 employees and 12.3M in operating revenues.
• A bankruptcy estate (Hvelvet Bistro As Bankruptcy Estate) is registered, but has no activities.

Åndalsnes is the most important geographical center:

• Number of companies: 4
• Number of employees: 90
• Sales: 12.1M NOK
• Operating revenues: 12.3M NOK
• EBITDA: 936.0K NOK
• Gross margin: 71%

Åndalsnes dominates the industry with four companies and 90 employees. This concentration provides opportunities for collaboration and market dominance, but also risks of overcompetition in a small market area.

Bankruptcy and operating results:

• Hvelvet Bistro As (Raumabredda 2, Åndalsnes): Bankruptcy in 2026 with -641.0K in EBITDA and -14% operating margin.
• Trollstigen Camping & Guesthouse As: 85% EBITDA margin, but 0 employees.

The bankruptcy of Hvelvet Bistro As shows that the industry can be vulnerable to economic downturns, even though other companies have strong results. This underscores the need for economic diversification and stable income streams.

For entrepreneurs in Rauma:

• Sales and employee growth (2016–2021): The industry experienced a 67.6% increase in sales and 150% increase in number of employees from 2016 to 2021.
• Decline in 2025: A sharp decline of 36.5% in sales and 13.0% in number of employees from 2024 to 2025.
• Åndalsnes as a strategic location: With four companies and 90 employees, Åndalsnes is a natural location for new business.
• EBITDA margins: Strong companies like Mama Rosa have a 7% EBITDA margin, while Hvelvet Bistro As had -12%.

Entrepreneurs should consider locating their business in Åndalsnes, where there is a concentration of companies, but also be aware of bankruptcy risks and market size.

Development in broader industry (restaurant/café)

Contrast between restaurant and restaurant/café groupings:

• Number of companies: 14 in the restaurant/café grouping, versus 11 in the restaurant industry.
• Sales (2026): 26.3M NOK in the restaurant/café grouping, versus 18.7M NOK in the restaurant industry.
• Number of employees (2026): 134 in the restaurant/café grouping, versus 80 in the restaurant industry.

Peer companies in the restaurant/café grouping:

1. Sødahlhuset As (Gamle Romsdalsvegen 8, Åndalsnes): 43 employees, 7.8M in sales, 131.0K in EBITDA.
2. Bakgården Åge Sønderland (Vollan 5, Åndalsnes): 4 employees, 0 in sales and EBITDA.
3. Woldstadfjøset As (Toklevegen 42, Isfjorden): 15 employees, 0 in sales and EBITDA.

The restaurant/café grouping has higher sales and more employees, but also companies with lower EBITDA (such as Bakgården Åge Sønderland). This shows that the restaurant industry has a more dispersed structure than the café industry.

The restaurant industry in Rauma has shown both strengths and weaknesses. With 11 companies and 80 employees in 2026, as well as a concentration in Åndalsnes, it is an attractive market area for entrepreneurs. However, the bankruptcy of Hvelvet Bistro As shows that the industry can be vulnerable to economic downturns. This underscores the need for a solid financial plan and market strategy. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find natural addresses in Rauma for restaurant operations, based on data and local knowledge.