The Restaurant Industry in Stad: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The restaurant industry in Stad municipality is an important part of the local economy, with 17 registered companies and over 112 employees in 2026. The industry shows a mix of stability and variation, with significant increases in sales and employees in certain years, but also periods of stagnation. Nordfjordeid is the most active area, with 7 companies and 93 employees. Stad Hotell As and Frimannsbuda As stand out as examples of companies with high growth and profitability, while some companies such as Stad Kystmat As report negative results. The industry has not experienced bankruptcy in the municipality, but there are variations in EBITDA margins and operating results.

SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Stad for restaurant operations, based on local trends and potential market spaces.

The industry has shown stable growth in sales over the years, with a total sales increase of +6.3% from 2024 to 2025 (NOK 34.2 million). Sales increased by 36.8% from 2016 to 2017, but growth has slowed in recent years. Employees have shown a more variable development, with an increase from 94 in 2016 to 120 in 2026, but with annual fluctuations of over 10%. The most significant increase was recorded from 2021 to 2022 (+14.4%).

Table: Sales and employees in the restaurant industry in Stad (2016–2026)

In Stad municipality, there are 17 companies registered in the restaurant industry, with organizational forms mainly AS (8 companies) and STI (1 company). The most well-known companies include:

• Rbto As (Nordfjordeid): 34 employees, sales of NOK 9.6M, EBITDA margin of 7%.
• China Restaurant Chen As (Nordfjordeid): 26 employees, sales of NOK 10.0M, EBITDA margin of 18%.
• Frimannsbuda As (Selje): 10 employees, sales of NOK 3.1M, EBITDA margin of 16%.
• Stad Hotell As (Stadlandet): 25 employees, sales of NOK 11.4M, but with a negative EBITDA margin of -41%.

Organizational form statistics show that AS companies dominate with 8 companies and 124 employees, while STI companies have a lower number but higher margins (15% EBITDA margin for Stiftinga Eid Kyrkjetun).

Restaurant activity in Stad municipality is most concentrated in Nordfjordeid, with 7 companies and 93 employees. The key figures for each district:

1. Nordfjordeid: 7 companies, 93 employees, sales of NOK 23.2M, EBITDA margin of 11%.
2. Stadlandet: 1 company, 25 employees, sales of NOK 11.4M, EBITDA margin of -41%.
3. Selje: 1 company, 10 employees, sales of NOK 3.1M, EBITDA margin of 16%.

Nordfjordeid has the highest sales and employees, while Selje shows the highest growth (213% in sales from 2023 to 2024). Stadlandet has the lowest EBITDA margin, but higher sales per employee (NOK 644.1K).

The industry has not experienced bankruptcy in the municipality, but there are variations in operating results. Stad Hotell As has negative EBITDA (NOK -4.8M) and an operating margin of -44%, while Frimannsbuda As has a high EBITDA margin of 16% and 213% sales growth. Mardini Spiseri As and Cocobongo As have no sales or employees, which may indicate newly established companies or temporary closures.

There are no bankruptcy-reported companies in the industry, but there are variations in financial results. Companies with high operating results (such as Rbto As and China Restaurant Chen As) have higher sales per employee (NOK 298.2K and NOK 583.8K) compared to Stad Hotell As (NOK 644.1K).

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

The restaurant industry in Stad municipality shows potential for growth, especially in Nordfjordeid, where there is the most activity. Stable companies such as Rbto As and China Restaurant Chen As can provide inspiration for entrepreneurs. There are also opportunities in areas with low competition, such as Selje, where Frimannsbuda As has high growth and profitability.

Entrepreneurs should be aware of variations in operating results and EBITDA margins. Companies with high sales per employee (such as Rbto As) can be models for efficient operations. There are also opportunities to utilize tourist-friendly locations in the municipality, such as Nordfjordeid and Stadlandet.

Outlook for Broader Industry (Restaurant/Café)

The broader industry restaurant/café in Stad municipality has 23 companies, compared to 17 in the restaurant industry. Sales in this industry have shown more variable development, with a peak of NOK 38.2M in 2023 and a decline to NOK 34.2M in 2025. Employees have increased from 99 in 2016 to 151 in 2026, but with annual fluctuations of over 20%.

Peer companies in the industry include:

• Narci Cafe Og Pizzeria As (pizzeria, 17 employees, NOK 0 sales, EBITDA NOK 0).
• Zetmo As (café, 13 employees, NOK 4.8M sales, EBITDA NOK -448.0K).
• Selja Stova As (café, 0 employees, NOK 506.0K sales, EBITDA NOK -152.0K).

The broader industry has higher sales in certain years, but more variation in operating results compared to the restaurant industry.

The restaurant industry in Stad municipality shows potential for growth and stability, especially in Nordfjordeid. With 17 companies and over 112 employees in 2026, as well as a sales growth of +6.3% from 2024 to 2025, the industry is an important part of the local economy. Entrepreneurs should consider opportunities in areas with high sales per employee and low competition, such as Selje. It is also important to be aware of variations in operating results and EBITDA margins, as shown in companies such as Stad Hotell As and Frimannsbuda As.

SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Stad for restaurant operations, based on local trends and potential market spaces.