The Restaurant Industry in Trondheim: Current Status and Outlook

The restaurant industry in Trondheim is an important part of the local economy, with over 350 companies registered in the municipality. The industry has shown variations in sales and number of employees over time, with an increase in the number of employees in 2026 compared to 2025. However, the industry has been affected by bankruptcies and declines in certain years, demonstrating a certain dynamism and challenges. The broader category restaurant / café has more companies and a different economic profile compared to the specific restaurant sector, which should be considered by entrepreneurs.

The industry has shown a complex development over time. Sales decreased by 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, but showed an increase of 28.0% from 2021 to 2022. The number of employees increased by 19.8% from 2021 to 2022, but decreased by 13.4% from 2018 to 2019. In 2026, the industry had 3,262 employees, indicating a gradual increase after a period of decline. This suggests stabilization in the industry after a significant decline during the pandemic.

In Trondheim, there are 353 companies in the restaurant industry registered. The most common organizational forms are AS (170 companies) and Sær (5 companies). Some examples of well-known companies include:

• Frati As (Munkegata 26) with 94 employees
• Norport As (Jernbanetorget 6) with 84 employees
• Hector Trd As (Tmv-Kaia 25) with 64 employees

There are also 4 bankrupt companies registered, including Aron Jats As and Tandoorikjøkken As, which shows that the industry has its challenges.

Most companies (151) and employees (2,896) are located in Trondheim. Other districts with activity include Heimdal (5 companies, 50 employees) and Oslo (1 company, 84 employees). There is also activity in Sandnes (2 companies, 62 employees) and Ranheim (3 companies, 55 employees). This shows that Trondheim is the capital of the restaurant industry in the municipality, with a clear dominant role compared to other districts.

The industry has been affected by bankruptcies and declines in certain years. There are 4 bankrupt companies registered in Trondheim, including Aron Jats As and Tandoorikjøkken As. These companies had a combination of low income and high operating costs, leading to negative EBITDA. This shows that the industry has its challenges, but there are also companies that have demonstrated good economic performance, such as Tårnrestauranten Galaksen As with an EBITDA of 6.5 million NOK.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs in Trondheim, it is important to be aware of both the opportunities and challenges in the restaurant industry. With a growing number of employees and stabilization in sales after a period of decline, it may be possible to find a place in the market. However, bankruptcies and declines in certain years serve as a warning. Entrepreneurs should consider differentiating themselves, focusing on efficient operations, and using Trondheim's location to their advantage.

The broader category restaurant / café has 473 companies in Trondheim, showing that it includes more companies than the specific restaurant sector. Sales decreased by 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, but showed an increase of 19.4% from 2021 to 2022. Examples of companies in this category include Norrein As (129.4 million NOK EBITDA) and Coop Midt Norge Sa Avd 203 Coop Obs Kafe Lade (96.9 million NOK sales). This shows that the broader category has a different economic profile compared to the specific restaurant sector.

The restaurant industry in Trondheim has shown both strengths and weaknesses over time. With a growing number of employees and stabilization in sales after a period of decline, it may be possible to find a place in the market. However, bankruptcies and declines in certain years serve as a warning. Entrepreneurs should consider differentiating themselves, focusing on efficient operations, and using Trondheim's location to their advantage. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Trondheim for this industry.