The Restaurant Industry in Sel: Current Situation and Future Outlook

The restaurant industry in Sel has in recent years been characterized by a combination of decline and minor upturns. In 2024, there were 6 companies in the industry, employing a total of 20 people. Although there has been a significant decline in the number of employees (from 55 in 2016 to 20 in 2024), there was a weak increase in 2025 (to 37 employees). Sales have also been unstable, with a decline of 50.9% from 2021 to 2022, but an increase of 20% from 2023 to 2024. This shows that the industry has been marked by variations in operating results and turnover, which may be due to both external factors and internal challenges.

In 2024, the restaurant industry in Sel had a total turnover of NOK 6.6 million, representing a decline of 4.7% compared to 2025. The number of employees followed a similar trend, with a decline of 2.7% from 2025 to 2026. In recent years, the industry has been marked by a sharp decline in turnover, especially from 2021 to 2022, where turnover fell by 50.9%. This may be due to several factors, including economic pressure and changes in consumer behavior. Nevertheless, there was a weak increase in both turnover and the number of employees in 2024 and 2025, which may indicate a beginning stabilization.

In Sel, there are 6 companies registered in the restaurant industry. These companies are distributed across different organizational forms, with AS being the most common form. The main companies include:

• Stordal Kafedrift As (Klebervegen 24, Otta): 16 employees, established in 2024.
• Parken Grill & Cafebar As (Johan Nygårds gate 9B, Otta): 13 employees, established in 2005.
• Ottas Steakhouse As (Mostugugata 10, Otta): 6 employees, established in 2020.
• Heidalsporten As (Heidalsvegen 1832, Heidal): 5 employees, established in 2024.
• Fransplass Holding As (Tømmerholet 8, Otta): 0 employees, established in 2021.
• Nye Peking Garden Zeng Xiang Yi (Storgata 16, Otta): 0 employees, established in 2001.

Most companies have negative operating results and EBITDA margins, indicating economic challenges. There are also several companies with zero turnover, which may indicate that they are newly established or not actively operating.

The restaurant industry in Sel is most active in the Ottas area, where 3 companies are registered with a total of 35 employees. In Heidal, there is only one company, Heidalsporten As, with 5 employees. Otta has a higher turnover (NOK 8.1 million) compared to Heidal (NOK 0). This shows that Otta is the main center for the restaurant industry in the municipality. There is also a clear difference in operating results, with Otta having a negative operating result of NOK 304,000, while Heidal has zero operating result. This may be due to Heidalsporten As not operating actively.

In recent years, there has been a certain degree of business dynamism in the restaurant industry in Sel, with both declines and upturns. No bankruptcies have been registered among the listed companies, but several of them have negative operating results and EBITDA margins. For example, Parken Grill & Cafebar As has an EBITDA margin of -1%, and Otta Steakhouse As has an EBITDA margin of -10%. This indicates that many companies in the industry have been affected by economic challenges. There is also a high level of debt in several companies, which may be a risk for future operations.

Looking at the foundation of the restaurant industry in Sel, the data show that there has been a sharp decline in both turnover and the number of employees in recent years. This may be a challenge for new entrepreneurs considering starting a restaurant in the municipality. Nevertheless, there was a weak increase in 2024 and 2025, which may indicate a beginning stabilization. To succeed in this industry, it is important to focus on cost control, differentiation, and adaptation to local conditions. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Sel for restaurant operations, based on natural conditions and market prospects.

When comparing the restaurant industry to the broader foundation restaurant / café in Sel, the data show that the broader foundation has more companies (9) compared to the restaurant industry (6). The broader foundation also had a slightly higher turnover in 2024 (NOK 6.6 million) compared to the restaurant industry. This may indicate that the broader foundation has a slightly better operating economy. Nevertheless, both groups have been affected by a sharp decline in turnover from 2021 to 2022. The broader foundation also has more companies with zero turnover, which may indicate that they are not actively operating. This shows that both the restaurant industry and the broader foundation have their challenges, but the broader foundation has a slightly better operating economy.

The restaurant industry in Sel has been marked by both decline and minor upturns in recent years. It is clear that the industry has been in a challenging period, with a sharp decline in turnover and the number of employees. Nevertheless, there was a weak increase in 2024 and 2025, which may indicate a beginning stabilization. For new entrepreneurs, it is important to be aware of the economic challenges, but also to see the opportunities in a market increase. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Sel for restaurant operations, based on natural conditions and market prospects.