The Restaurant Industry in Svalbard: Current Situation and Future Opportunities

The restaurant industry in Svalbard is an important part of the local economy, with 11 registered companies in the municipality. In recent years, the industry has shown both strong growth and challenges, particularly related to special years with large variations in sales and number of employees. In 2025, there were 132 employees, which is a decline from 2024, but an increase compared to 2023. Sales have shown a weak upward trend, with an increase of 2.3% from 2024 to 2025. The industry has also shown variations in organizational forms, with AS being the most common form, but also ENK and KS. This shows a diversification in how companies are organized, which can affect both operations and management.

Economic data shows that sales for the restaurant industry in Svalbard have grown from NOK 27.4 million in 2016 to NOK 104.8 million in 2025. The most significant increase was recorded from 2018 to 2019, with a rise of 83.6%. This may be due to increased tourism and population growth in Svalbard. In 2020, a decline of 46.7% was recorded, which is likely due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. From 2021 onward, sales have grown gradually, with stabilization in 2025. The number of employees has shown more variation, with a peak of 138 employees in 2019 and a decline to 87 employees in 2021. In 2026, there are 144 employees, showing a gradual adaptation to conditions.

In Svalbard, there are 11 companies registered in the restaurant industry. The most well-known companies include Steakers Svalbard Kroa, Stationen As, Gruvelageret As, and Nuga Sushi & Noodles As. Most companies are organized as AS, with some as ENK and KS. Steakers Svalbard Kroa has a high income and a high number of employees compared to other companies. Stationen As has shown strong sales and EBITDA growth. Some companies, such as Huset and Svalbard Group Consulting As, have not reported any income, which may indicate that they are in the start-up phase or have encountered challenges.

All companies in the restaurant industry in Svalbard are registered in Longyearbyen, which is the municipality's only borough. Here, there are 8 companies, 159 employees, and an operational income of NOK 84.0 million. Sales in Longyearbyen were NOK 78.7 million in 2025, with an operating margin of 15%. The EBITDA margin is 17%, showing a relatively good operational economy. Sales and income have grown in recent years, but there is a decline of 12% compared to 2024. This may be due to variations in tourism and local conditions.

The industry has shown relatively stable development regarding bankruptcy. There are no registered bankruptcy cases among the 11 companies in Svalbard. However, some companies, such as Huset and Svalbard Group Consulting As, have not reported any income, which may indicate that they are in the start-up phase or have encountered challenges. This shows that the industry has visible dynamics, with both stable and uncertain companies. It is important to monitor the development of these companies to understand how they will affect the industry in the future.

For entrepreneurs considering starting a restaurant in Svalbard, it is important to be aware of both opportunities and challenges. The industry has shown strong growth in recent years, especially after 2020, but there are also variations in sales and income. It is possible to find support and advice from SmartGrunder, which can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and understand local conditions. It is also important to be aware of local conditions, such as high operating costs and special seasons, which can affect operations and income.

The restaurant industry in Svalbard has shown strong growth in recent years, with an increase in sales and number of employees. However, there are also variations in development, particularly related to special years and local conditions. For entrepreneurs, it is important to be aware of both opportunities and challenges, and to find advice and support from local websites such as SmartGrunder. The industry has potential, but it is important to be strategic and prepare for local conditions.