Olivia AS

Olivia AS operates a chain of Italian-themed restaurants across the Nordic region, built on the founders' passion for Italian culture and cuisine. The story began when founders Anne Koppang, Gry Holm, and Kristin Gjelseth, self-described as "the three ladies," decided to create their own Italian family by opening a restaurant. This led to the first Olivia restaurant opening in 2006 at Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway. Koppang, a civil economist and sommelier with extensive experience in the restaurant industry, has been a driving force behind the brand and other ventures, including a distillery.

The company functions as a casual dining restaurant group, serving the general public with a menu centered on authentic Italian food, particularly pasta and pizza. The business model revolves around creating a unique and cozy atmosphere in each location, characterized by candlelight and fireplaces, to provide a memorable dining experience. Revenue is generated directly from food and beverage sales at its numerous establishments. The company also offers gift cards, promoting the restaurants as an experiential gift.

Each Olivia restaurant is designed with a distinct character, inspired by a different Italian city such as Rome, Naples, Venice, and Florence. This thematic approach ensures that while the core offering of authentic Italian food remains consistent, each location provides a slightly different ambiance. The company emphasizes its commitment to authenticity through regular inspiration trips to Italy, sharing these experiences with its customers. A significant milestone was the expansion outside of Norway, with locations opening in Sweden and Finland. In 2015, Herkules Capital acquired a majority stake, fueling an expansion from 3 to 18 restaurants before the original founders, along with management and Driv Kapital, reacquired the company in July 2024.

Keywords: Italian restaurant, casual dining, restaurant chain, Norwegian hospitality, Olivia restaurants, Anne Koppang, authentic Italian cuisine, pizza, pasta, Nordic restaurant group, Aker Brygge, Herkules Capital, Driv Kapital, Gry Holm, Kristin Gjelseth, restaurant expansion, themed restaurants, cozy atmosphere, Italian food culture, sommelier