Sushi Restaurant Industry in Ringerike: A Comprehensive Analysis

The sushi restaurant industry in Ringerike constitutes a small but dynamic part of the municipality's food and beverage sector. With three registered companies in 2025 and an annual sales growth of 8.6% from 2024, the industry demonstrates growth potential. The most central activity takes place in Hønefoss, where all three companies are located. Economic indicators show that the industry has a high gross profit (70%) and an operating margin of 21%, highlighting effective cost management. At the same time, salary statistics show that the average employee salary is 425,900 NOK, which is higher than in many other restaurant sectors.

The sales development for the sushi restaurant industry in Ringerike has been variable in recent years. From 1.9 million NOK in 2016, sales have increased to 7.3 million NOK in 2025, with an average annual growth of 11.4%. The most significant increase occurred between 2020 and 2021 (24.8%), while a decline of 17.2% was recorded from 2021 to 2022. Employees in the industry have shown more stable development, with an increase from 5 employees in 2019 to 19 employees in 2023 before a decline to 15 employees in 2024. This development shows that the industry has been affected by both economic factors and specific events in the sector.

The following companies are registered in the sushi restaurant sector in Ringerike:

All companies have chosen AS as the organizational form, which is common for larger restaurants. Kikko Sushi As is the most successful company with operating income of 7.4 million NOK and EBITDA of 1.7 million NOK in 2025.

All three companies in the sushi restaurant sector in Ringerike are located in Hønefoss. This city has 3 companies, 15 employees, and an operating income of 7.4 million NOK. Hønefoss is therefore the only place in the municipality with activity in this industry. It is likely due to the high population (approximately 35,000) and good infrastructure in the city, making it a natural place for restaurants.

There are no registered bankruptcies in the sushi restaurant sector in Ringerike between 2016 and 2025. This shows that the industry has been stable and has managed to handle both economic challenges and competitive pressure. The companies have also shown good financial health, with high gross profit and a good EBITDA margin (22%). This indicates that the industry has good cost control and efficient operations.

For founders considering starting a sushi restaurant in Ringerike, the data indicate a positive development. The high sales growth (8.6% annually) and stable employee numbers (15 employees in 2025) suggest that there is a market for such restaurants. Hønefoss is the natural place for a new company establishment, with an existing customer base and infrastructure. However, it is important to be aware of the competitive market economy, which can affect profit margins.

Compared to the broader restaurant and café sector in Ringerike, which has 60 companies, the sushi restaurant industry is a small subgroup. The broader sector had a sales growth of 14.5% from 2016 to 2017, but a decline of 26.6% from 2024 to 2025. This shows that the broader sector has been more vulnerable over time. Regarding competitors in the broader sector, the following companies are worth noting:

• Salt & Pepper Hønefoss As (sales: 29 million NOK, 44 employees)
• Rustad Kafe As (sales: 17.4 million NOK, 32 employees)
• Fj Horeca As (sales: 8.5 million NOK, 15 employees)

These companies represent different segments of the restaurant sector and can provide valuable competitive analysis for founders in the sushi industry.

The sushi restaurant industry in Ringerike shows potential for growth and stability, especially in Hønefoss. With a high gross profit and good EBITDA margin, as well as no bankruptcies, this is an attractive sector for founders. At the same time, the comparison with the broader restaurant sector shows that there is room for differentiation and specialization. SmartGrunder can help founders find optimal locations and strategies to establish themselves in this competitive market economy.