Hafnarfjörður buys the premises of Kænunnar

The Kænan will continue to operate for the next few years.

The Hafnarfjörður Town Council unanimously approved a purchase offer for the premises of Kænunan at Óseyrarbraut 2 at its meeting on 29 January. The company Matbær ehf., which owns and operates Kænunan, will have full control of the property until completion, scheduled for 1 December 2028. Valdimar Víðisson, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, and the owners of Matbær signed and shook hands on the purchase agreement just before the weekend.

Mixed feelings, but still plenty of time for strategy

„My wife, Helga Ösp Jóhannsdóttir, and I bought Kænuna in November 2016, and the business has enjoyed steady growth. 2024 was one of the best years in Kænunnar's history.“ says owner Oddsteinn Gíslason. Kænan has, over the years, specialised in traditional Icelandic home cooking. Its clientele is large and varied, ranging from tradesmen from across the capital region to groups of foreign tourists who want to experience Icelandic cuisine. „There are mixed feelings about selling, but there are still a few years to go. We will continue to look after our guests right up until the end,“ says Oddsteinn. The purchase price is 265 million kr. for a 324 m² premises situated on a 2,363 m² leasehold plot, which takes into account the winding-up of operations. It is anticipated that Kænan will be in full operation until the date of delivery.

At the reception desk. Mayor Valdimar Víðisson with Helga Ösp Jóhannsdóttir and Oddsteinn Gíslason, the owners of Kænan.

The Tech School Rises in Hafnarfjörður

„At Flensburg Harbour, there are ambitious plans for the future, including the development of a new and magnificent Technical College. Such a transformation calls for change, and it is extremely pleasing to have finalised an agreement with Matbæ that the owners are happy with.“ says Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor. The construction of a new Technical College in Hafnarfjörður marks a revolution in the facilities for vocational, professional and technical education in the capital region. The project significantly enhances learning and facilities, consolidates all the school's activities in one location, and meets the increased demand from students and the needs of industry. A 30,000-square-metre building is planned to accommodate around 3,000 students. The project will be carried out in two phases: the first phase will see the construction of a 24,000 m² building, with a further 6,000 m² added in the second phase. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2029. Future expansion options on the site are also planned. „Until the construction of a new technical college becomes a reality, I will continue to enjoy eating at The Claw, just like thousands of others, as the place is a great favourite of mine.“ says Valdimar.