Bjarke Just Nielsen is CEO and founder of Norrlyst Koncernen, a Copenhagen-based restaurant group redefining hospitality through data-driven operations and close collaboration with some of the industry’s leading chefs. He opened Restaurant Norrlyst in 2019 driven by passion and a desire to create something distinctive. Since then, the group has grown from one restaurant to 20 locations in just a few years.
Each restaurant within Norrlyst is developed as a standalone concept, with a clear identity and long-term relevance. Bjarke works closely with top chefs to ensure creativity and craftsmanship thrive within a structured, scalable framework. By applying analytical thinking to areas such as pricing, capacity, and demand — inspired by industries like aviation — Norrlyst has built a model where data supports decision-making without compromising soul or hospitality. In June 2025, Restaurant Udtryk received a Michelin star just 41 days after opening, making it the fastest Michelin-starred restaurant in Nordic history.