The Restaurant Industry in Vågan: Current Status, Development, and Future

The restaurant industry in Vågan is an important part of the municipality's economy, with 27 registered businesses in 2024. Svolvær dominates with 8 businesses and 202 employees, while other districts such as Henningsvær and Kabelvåg have less activity. The industry has shown strong growth in recent years, with a sales increase of 57.6% from 2023 to 2024. At the same time, the number of employees has increased by 6.6% from 2025 to 2026. Outlooks for entrepreneurs and local decision-makers are positive, especially in Svolvær, where there is a high consumption level and tourist activity.

Sales and employee development:

• Sales: In 2025, restaurant businesses in Vågan had total sales of NOK 102.7 million, with an annual growth of -10.8% compared to 2024. However, there was a significant increase of 57.6% from 2023 to 2024.
• Employees: The number of employees increased from 206 in 2023 to 241 in 2024, and further to 258 in 2025. This growth has been stable, with an average annual increase of 6.6% from 2022 to 2026.

Key figures:

• EBITDA margin: The most profitable businesses have EBITDA margins up to 20%, such as Svinøya Rorbuer As.
• Average income per employee: In Svolvær, the average is 814.5 thousand kroner per employee, showing high productivity.

Conclusion: The industry has shown strong growth in recent years, with a combination of high sales volume and stable employee growth. This indicates a robust economic structure, especially in Svolvær.

Vågan has 27 registered businesses in the restaurant industry, with the following development:

Key businesses:

• Bacalao Drift As (Svolvær): 63 employees, sales of NOK 36.6 million, EBITDA margin of 9%.
• Svinøya Rorbuer As (Svolvær): 45 employees, sales of NOK 44.0 million, EBITDA margin of 20%.
• Nihao As (Svolvær): 17 employees, sales of NOK 15.3 million, EBITDA margin of 15%.

Organizational forms: Most businesses are AS companies (15 companies), with an average income per employee of 808.7 thousand kroner.

Development: New businesses such as Nordis Restaurant Svolvær and Klatrekafeen As were established in 2022 and 2023, showing growth in the industry.

Conclusion: The industry is dominated by AS companies in Svolvær, with a high degree of productivity and profitability. There are opportunities for further development, especially in areas with high tourist activity.

Distribution of businesses in the municipality:

Analysis:

• Svolvær is the most active area, with 8 businesses and 202 employees. This indicates a high consumption level and tourist activity.
• Henningsvær and Kabelvåg have less activity, with 2 businesses each, but no sales or EBITDA.
• Laukvik has 2 businesses with a combination of sales and EBITDA, but at a lower level than Svolvær.

Conclusion: Svolvær is the most profitable and active area for the restaurant industry in Vågan. This is an important factor for entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the municipality.

Bankruptcies and stability:

• Bankruptcies: There are no registered bankruptcies in the restaurant industry in Vågan in 2024, showing a stable industry.
• Development: New businesses such as Nordis Restaurant Svolvær and Klatrekafeen As were established in 2022 and 2023, showing growth in the industry.

Business development:

• Bacalao Drift As has shown stable growth with a sales growth of 15% in 2024.
• Nihao As has a high sales growth of 31% in 2024, showing strong growth.
• Fellini Lofoten As has no sales or EBITDA, which may indicate a weak economic structure.

Conclusion: The industry has shown stable development with no bankruptcies and growth in the number of businesses. This indicates a robust industry, especially in Svolvær.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

Competitiveness:

• Svolvær is the most competitive area, with 8 businesses and 202 employees. This indicates a high consumption level and tourist activity.
• Henningsvær and Kabelvåg have less activity, but there are opportunities to establish oneself in these areas.

Profitability:

• Svinøya Rorbuer As has an EBITDA margin of 20%, showing high profitability.
• Nihao As has an EBITDA margin of 15%, showing good profitability.

Conclusion: Entrepreneurs have opportunities to establish themselves in Svolvær, where there is a high consumption level and tourist activity. There are also opportunities to establish oneself in Henningsvær and Kabelvåg, where there is less competitiveness.

Outlook for broader industry (restaurant/café)

Competitiveness:

• Svolvær is the most competitive area, with 8 businesses and 202 employees. This indicates a high consumption level and tourist activity.
• Henningsvær and Kabelvåg have less activity, but there are opportunities to establish oneself in these areas.

Profitability:

• Svinøya Rorbuer As has an EBITDA margin of 20%, showing high profitability.
• Nihao As has an EBIT毛 margin of 15%, showing good profitability.

Conclusion: Entrepreneurs have opportunities to establish themselves in Svolvær, where there is a high consumption level and tourist activity. There are also opportunities to establish oneself in Henningsvær and Kabelvåg, where there is less competitiveness.

The restaurant industry in Vågan has shown stable growth in recent years, with a combination of high sales volume and stable employee growth. Svolvær is the most active area, with 8 businesses and 202 employees. This indicates a high consumption level and tourist activity. Entrepreneurs have opportunities to establish themselves in Svolvær, where there is a high consumption level and tourist activity. There are also opportunities to establish oneself in Henningsvær and Kabelvåg, where there is less competitiveness. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Vågan for the restaurant industry, where there is a high consumption level and tourist activity.