The Restaurant Industry in Stord: Current Status and Future Outlook

The restaurant industry in Stord is an important part of the local economy, with 18 registered companies in the municipality. In recent years, the industry has shown both strength and challenges, with an annual sales increase of 6.8% from 2024 to 2025. However, some companies have faced challenges, such as one bankruptcy in 2026. This shows that the industry has both potential and risk, which is important to consider for entrepreneurs and local decision-makers.

The industry has shown stable sales growth over the past years, increasing from NOK 78.9 million in 2016 to NOK 92.4 million in 2025. Sales experienced a sharp decline of 15.4% in 2020, but have since stabilized with a 6.8% increase in 2025. The number of employees has varied, increasing from 274 in 2016 to 285 in 2024, followed by a 10.7% decline to 242 in 2026. This shows that the industry has been affected by external factors, such as the pandemic, but has also shown resilience in subsequent years.

In Stord, there are 18 companies registered in the restaurant industry, with AS companies dominating (13 companies). Among the most well-known companies are Bakeriet Frugård As, Hsd Sunnhordland Drift As, and Cathay Restaurant As. These companies have shown good financial performance, with high EBITDA margins and stable revenues. However, some companies have also faced challenges, such as Alex Matverden As and Åtgaum As, which have 0 sales and 0 employees.

Stord is the most active area in the municipality with 12 companies and 246 employees, while Sagvåg has only one company, Alex Matverden As, with 17 employees. Stord has a high sales volume of NOK 113.5 million and an EBITDA of NOK 13.8 million, while Sagvåg has no activity. This shows that Stord is the main hub for the restaurant industry in the municipality, with a clearly dominant market share.

The industry has been affected by a bankruptcy in 2026, where Stord Restaurant Drift As had an EBITDA of NOK -357,000 and 0 employees. This shows that some companies have faced serious challenges, even though most companies in the industry have shown stable or positive development. It is important to note that the bankruptcy has not affected the entire industry, but shows that there is risk associated with running a restaurant business in Stord.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs considering starting a restaurant in Stord, the data show that there is potential for growth, especially with the increasing sales in 2025. However, it is important to be aware of the bankruptcy risk, as illustrated by Stord Restaurant Drift As. Entrepreneurs should also consider differentiating themselves from existing companies, such as Bakeriet Frugård As and Cathay Restaurant As, which have shown good financial performance. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Stord for restaurant operations, based on local conditions and market challenges.

The broader restaurant/café category in Stord has 26 companies, showing that the industry is somewhat larger than the individual restaurant category. Sales in this category have shown stable development, increasing from NOK 99.2 million in 2016 to NOK 99.5 million in 2025. The number of employees has varied more, with an 8.2% decline from 294 in 2025 to 270 in 2026. Peer companies in this category include Kro Partner As and Kjøkken Og Kaffe Avd 2563 Heiane Stord, which have higher EBITDA than many companies in the restaurant category.

The restaurant industry in Stord has shown both strength and challenges over the past years. With an increase in sales and a stable number of employees, as well as a broad range of companies, there is potential for growth. However, it is important to be aware of the bankruptcy risk and to differentiate from existing companies. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Stord for restaurant operations, based on local conditions and market challenges.