The iconic nightclub Stratos has been towering at the top of Youngstorget in central Oslo since the 1930s.
The 260 square meter roof terrace has in recent years been a favorite gathering point in Oslo’s nightlife in summer. This month, however, it’s over.
The hook on the door: – Quite painful
Ever since the building was completed in 1935, the two upper floors have served as a restaurant of some kind, it is stated on the place’s website.
In the beginning, there was a restaurant on the “roof of the city”, and over the years there has been both a café and a restaurant under the auspices of several entertainment associations.
Increased competition from bars with alcohol serving eventually led to poor finances, writes Avisa Oslo, who first mention the case.
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– Sad
Jama Awaleh and partner Kim Søyland in byOSLO Group have run the iconic place for a little over ten years.
Five years ago, the duo was told by the farm owner that it would be the end of this year, and the premises would be used for something else. He makes no secret of the fact that it is a shame to close the doors.
– It is sad, of course, and a pity for the citizens of Oslo, Awaleh says to Børsen.
– The fact that we have known it for five years has meant that I have been able to process it: Shock, grief and emotions all over the register. When you know the end date, it becomes extra sensitive, he adds.
– SORROW: Kim Søyland (left) and Jama Awaleh (right) have run Stratos for the past ten years. PHOTO: Lars Petter Pettersen
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General manager Roar Thun in Youngstorget real estate says he is very happy with the current tenants, but that further operation was not possible.
– We came to the conclusion that the building simply does not have an infrastructure that is in line with current operations, and we notified them five years ago, to create predictability, Thun says to Børsen.
Thun points out the transport of goods and up to 300 people up to the top floor, as a heavy form of operation and that this creates wear and tear on the building.
That’s why Støre uses a cheap watch
– In 1935, they had slightly different conditions, and slightly different fire technical solutions. We have made countless attempts to put in place a solution with escape routes, we have only partially succeeded.
He adds that they have had a constructive and good collaboration with byOSLO.
– Nothing to blame on them, it has been nice to have them in the house. There is a time for everything, and it is of course sad when the day is here.
Nightclub owner rages: – Imbued with contempt
Will recreate the magic
Since the start, there have been many different actors who have run the place on the roof of the Labor Party building. Awaleh states that byOSLO has had a solid operation.
– We have provided a well-run ship and business model, with about 220 events a year, in addition to summer open for the man in the street. There has been up to 27-28 million in turnover a year, and a profit of between 10-12 percent annually, says Awaleh.
On the other
The event market has accounted for 80 percent of sales, he says.
The duo will not be unemployed right away, as they run a number of nightclubs in central Oslo: Justisen, F6, Nedre Løkka Cocktailbar and BA3 to name a few – and maybe a Stratos successor is not far away, Awaleh reveals to Børsen.
– Now we will continue the elements Stratos has provided. We are therefore in dialogue with some actors. Nothing has landed yet, but we hope to recreate the magic on another roof in our beloved Oslo.
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