The Restaurant Industry in Vadsø: Current Status and Future Prospects

The restaurant industry in Vadsø consists of 5 companies with a mix of AS and ENK organizational forms. Employment development has been volatile, with a decline of 42.2% from 2020 to 2021, but a partial recovery since. Sales have shown both increases and decreases, with a peak of NOK 16.9M in 2022 and a decline of 29.2% in 2023. EBITDA margins are generally weak, and two of the companies have no revenue or employees. The industry shows signs of instability, but there is also potential for revitalization in the future.

Sales Development (2016–2025):

• 2022 recorded the highest sales at NOK 16.9M, but it fell to NOK 11.9M in 2023 (a decline of 29.2%).
• In 2024, there was an increase of 27.6% to NOK 15.2M, and in 2025, it was maintained at NOK 15.1M.

Employment Development (2016–2026):

• The employment level had a sharp decline of 42.2% from 2020 to 2021, but a partial recovery since, with 22 employees in 2025 and 20 employees in 2026.

Economic Challenges:

• EBITDA margins are weak, with 0% in 2023 and -1% in 2024 for some companies.
• Two companies have no revenue or employees, which may indicate inactivity or newly established companies.

Registered Companies in Vadsø (2026):

Organizational Forms:

• AS (2 companies) dominate, with a total of 20 employees and NOK 15.2M in sales.
• ENK and FLI have no employees or revenue, which may indicate newly established or inactive companies.

Bankruptcy Safety:

• None of the companies are registered as bankrupt, but two have no revenue or employees, which may be a risk for future operations.

Activity Distributed Across Locations in Vadsø (2026):

Central Areas:

• Vadsø is the main hub for the industry, with 4 companies and 20 employees.
• Vestre Jakobselv has one company, but it has no employees or revenue.

Conclusion:

• The industry is concentrated in Vadsø, with a focus on Hvistendalsgate and Kvartsveien.
• Vestre Jakobselv has potential for development, but there is no activity in 2026.

Bankruptcy Statistics:

• No companies in the industry are registered as bankrupt in 2026, but two companies have no revenue or employees, which may indicate inactivity or newly established companies.

Operating Results:

• Mølla Bar As has a negative operating result of NOK -279.0K in 2025, while Påls Matopplevelser As has a positive operating result of NOK 203.0K.

Development Trends:

• Sales have been volatile, with a decline of 29.2% in 2023 and an increase of 27.6% in 2024.
• The employment level has been unstable, with a decline of 42.2% in 2021 and an increase of 38.5% in 2022.

Outlook for the Restaurant Industry

Trend Analysis:

• The industry has shown sales growth from 2023 to 2024 (27.6%), but EBITDA margins remain weak (0% in 2023 and -1% in 2024).
• Påls Matopplevelser As has shown strong economic development with a 2% EBITDA margin in 2025.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs:

• There is potential for new companies in Vadsø, especially in areas with existing activity such as Hvistendalsgate.
• Low bankruptcy risk and rising sales in 2024 can be an advantage for new entrepreneurs.

Development Challenges:

• Low EBITDA margin and unstable operations can be challenges for new companies.
• Competition among existing companies can be a challenge for new entrepreneurs.

Outlook for the Restaurant/Café Industry

Parent Category (Restaurant/Café):

• 8 companies in the parent category, compared to 5 companies in the restaurant industry.
• Sales in the parent category have been higher, with NOK 20.9M in 2025 (compared to NOK 15.1M in the restaurant industry).
• Employee levels in the parent category have been more stable, with 57 employees in 2026 (compared to 20 employees in the restaurant industry).

Peer Companies in the Parent Category:

Conclusion:

• The parent category has higher sales and more stable employee levels than the restaurant industry.
• Cafés and Asian cuisine can be an advantage for new entrepreneurs in Vadsø.

Summary:

• The restaurant industry in Vadsø has shown sales growth in 2024 and 2025, but low EBITDA margins and unstable operations.
• Vadsø is the main hub for the industry, with 4 companies and 20 employees.
• The parent category (restaurant/café) has higher sales and more stable employee levels than the restaurant industry.

For Entrepreneurs:

• There is potential for new companies in Vadsø, especially in areas with existing activity such as Hvistendalsgate.
• Low bankruptcy risk and rising sales in 2024 can be an advantage for new entrepreneurs.

SmartGrunder Can Help:

• SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs explore addresses in Vadsø for the restaurant industry and assess development opportunities in the municipality.