The Restaurant Industry in Sandnes: Current Status and Future Outlook

The restaurant industry in Sandnes is an important part of the municipality's economy, with over 129 registered companies and combined sales volume exceeding NOK 218 million in 2025. The industry has proven to be resilient over time, with an increase in the number of employees from 871 in 2024 to 1052 in 2025. Although there have been challenges, such as the two bankruptcies in 2025, data shows that the industry has a high average gross profit margin of 300% and an EBITDA margin of 8%. This indicates that there is potential for growth and innovation, especially in a municipality with a strong tourism industry and a growing population.

In 2025, the restaurant industry in Sandnes had a total sales volume of NOK 218.2 million, representing an increase of 23.7% compared to 2022. The number of employees followed a similar trend, rising from 701 in 2022 to 1052 in 2025. The EBITDA margin stood at 8%, demonstrating that the industry has good cost control. Although there was a sales decline in 2024 (a 10.0% decrease), the industry has proven to be resilient and has managed to regain growth in 2025.

In Sandnes, there are 129 companies registered in the restaurant industry, with the dominant organizational form being AS (66 companies). Among the most notable companies are Olivia As Avd Sandnes, which had a sales volume of NOK 39.2 million in 2025, and Lura Turistheim As, which had an EBITDA of NOK 6.7 million. There are also several companies registered in recent years, such as Dd Fjøsanger As (2025) and Dd Skjæveland As (2021). However, there are also challenges, such as the two bankruptcies in 2025, involving Burgrilla As and Mad 10 As.

The restaurant industry in Sandnes is most concentrated in the municipality's center, with 64 companies and 1054 employees in Sandnes. Other active areas include Hommersåk (2 companies, 36 employees), Forsand (2 companies, 26 employees), and Lysebotn (1 company, 17 employees). Forsand has a high EBITDA margin of 21%, while Lysebotn has a lower sales volume growth of -6% in 2025. Figgjo has an extremely high sales volume growth of 100%, but a negative EBITDA margin of -7%.

The industry has been affected by the bankruptcies in 2025, with two companies going bankrupt: Burgrilla As and Mad 10 As. These companies had a combined sales volume of NOK 13.0 million, but a negative EBITDA of NOK -616,000. Although this shows challenges, the industry as a whole has proven to be stable, with an average EBITDA margin of 8% and a high gross profit margin of 300%. It is important to note that these bankruptcies do not necessarily reflect the entire industry's health, but rather specific company challenges.

Data shows that the restaurant industry in Sandnes has shown a positive trend over time, with an increase in the number of employees from 871 in 2024 to 1052 in 2025. This indicates that there is potential for growth and that the industry can attract new companies. With a high average gross profit margin of 300% and an EBITDA margin of 8%, it is possible that the industry can maintain its stability. For entrepreneurs, this could be a good sign that there are opportunities to start a restaurant in Sandnes, especially in areas with high activity such as Sandnes and Forsand.

When comparing the restaurant industry to the broader category 'restaurant / café,' data shows that the broader category has 171 companies, while the restaurant industry has 129 companies. The broader category had a higher sales volume in 2025 of NOK 417.5 million compared to the restaurant industry's NOK 218.2 million. The EBITDA margin for the broader category was 9.7%, indicating that it has better cost control. Among the most notable companies in the broader category are Ikea As Cafe Forus (NOK 115.1 million in sales) and Sushi Wave As (NOK 5.3 million in sales). This shows that there are opportunities for growth and innovation within both the restaurant industry and the broader category.

The restaurant industry in Sandnes has proven to be a stable and growth-oriented sector, with a high average gross profit margin and a good EBITDA margin. Although there have been challenges such as the bankruptcies in 2025, the industry has proven to be resilient and has managed to regain growth. For entrepreneurs, this could be a good sign that there are opportunities to start a restaurant in Sandnes, especially in areas with high activity such as Sandnes and Forsand. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Sandnes to start a restaurant, based on data and market analyses.