The Restaurant Industry in Ringebu: Current Status and Future Outlook

The restaurant industry in Ringebu municipality features a mix of established companies and new players, with a focus on Fåvang as the main area. There are a total of 9 companies registered in the municipality, employing 58 people in 2026. Economically, data shows variations in sales and operating results, with both positive and negative development trends. Fåvang dominates with 7 companies and 42 employees, while Ringebu has 2 companies with lower activity. The industry has been affected by macroeconomic factors but shows signs of stabilization after 2022.

Sales Development (2016–2025):

Employee Development (2016–2026):

Sales experienced a sharp decline in 2020 (–42.3%) but has since stabilized with an increase of +2.8% in 2025. Employee numbers have been more volatile, with a decline of -24.5% in 2020 and an increase of +24.3% in 2023.

There are 9 companies registered in the restaurant industry in Ringebu, distributed across the following organizational forms:

• AS (4 companies): Total of 52 employees, with operating results ranging from NOK -91.0K to NOK 574.0K.
• ENK (1 company): 9 employees, but with zero sales and operating results.

Key Companies:

1. E & M Hotelldrift AS (Fåvang): 30 employees, operating result NOK -91.0K in 2024.
2. Koia Hfi AS (Fåvang): 8 employees, EBITDA NOK 656.0K in 2024.
3. Ringebu Pizza Og Kebab (Ringebu): 9 employees, but with zero sales.

Many companies have low or zero sales, especially the newly established ones (such as Hev Mosetertoppen AS and Hev Vestsiden Deli AS).

Fåvang (7 companies, 42 employees):

• Highest activity with sales of NOK 18.0M and operating results of NOK 483.0K.
• Leading companies: E & M Hotelldrift AS and Koia Hfi AS.

Ringebu (2 companies, 19 employees):

• Lower activity with zero sales and operating results for Hev Mosetertoppen AS and Ringebu Pizza Og Kebab.
• Newly established companies with low or no activity.

Mapping:

• Fåvang is the main area for the restaurant industry in the municipality.
• Ringebu has potential for development but needs more activity to become an important business location.

Bankruptcies and Operating Results:

• No bankruptcies registered in the industry in Ringebu.
• E & M Hotelldrift AS has a negative operating result (NOK -91.0K) in 2024, but shows positive development in 2023.
• Koia Hfi AS has a high EBITDA (NOK 656.0K) and positive sales growth (16% in 2024).

Development Trends:

• Larger companies (AS) have more stable operating results compared to ENK companies.
• Newly established companies have low activity, but may represent future growth.
• Fåvang has higher operating results and better economic indicators compared to Ringebu.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

Opportunities in Ringebu:

• Fåvang is a prominent business area with established companies and higher operating results.
• Economic stabilization after 2022 (sales +2.8% in 2025) shows potential for growth.
• Establishing in Ringebu can be challenging due to lower activity, but may offer opportunities for innovation.

Recommendations:

• Focus on Fåvang to leverage existing infrastructure and customer bases.
• Differentiation from existing companies (such as Koia Hfi AS) can provide a competitive advantage.
• Attention to operating results and EBITDA margins is essential to ensure economic sustainability.

Outlook for Broader Category (Restaurant / Café)

Comparison with leaf-industry:

• Total of 12 companies in the restaurant / café category in Ringebu, compared to 9 in restaurant.
• Sales in category: NOK 19.8M in 2025, compared to NOK 17.6M in restaurant.
• Employees in category: 77 in 2026, compared to 61 in restaurant.

Peer companies in category:

Conclusion:

• The restaurant / café category has higher activity and sales, but also shows more variation in operating results.
• Entrepreneurs should consider expanding into the café sector to leverage a larger market share.

The restaurant industry in Ringebu municipality shows a mix of stable and growing companies in Fåvang, as well as potential challenges in Ringebu. Economic stabilization after 2022 and higher sales in the restaurant / café category indicate opportunities for entrepreneurs. Fåvang remains the most active business area, but Ringebu can become an important part of the industry with the right strategy. Attention to operating results, EBITDA margins, and differentiation from existing companies is crucial for future success.