Since stepping into the role of CEO in 2019, I’ve had the privilege of leading Schnitz through an exciting period of growth. What started as a single store in Victoria has now become a thriving network of over 75 locations across Australia. This journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s a testament to the vision, expertise, and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Schnitz.
The Recipe for Success
At Schnitz, we believe that our success is driven by a blend of vision, dedication, and the hard work of our people. From the very beginning, our focus has been on more than just serving great food – it’s about creating an exceptional experience for our guests, every day, in every store.
Our hero product, the schnitzel, is at the heart of what we do. Prepared the traditional way, cooked to order in a pan, our schnitzels are known for their unique flavour, texture, and tenderness. But what truly sets us apart is the synergy between our food, our team, and our processes. We’ve built robust systems that ensure every Franchise Partner and team member has the support they need to excel. This commitment to quality and consistency is what fuels our continued growth.
Maintaining Quality as We Grow
As we expand our footprint across Australia, maintaining the high standards our guests expect is paramount. We’ve developed a scalable food retail model that allows us to replicate the art of schnitzel-making across all locations without compromising on quality.
Our Schnitz Academy is a key part of this process which provides our Franchise Partners with essential training to run their stores effectively. Our expert Operations Team, combined with detailed processes & manuals, guide our teams in how to deliver outstanding guest experiences at every touchpoint.
Our commitment to quality extends to every aspect of our operations, from the meticulous process of building each store to the precise methods used in cooking our schnitzels. This ensures that every Schnitz location lives up to our purpose: To serve real food that makes people happy.
Staying True to Our Founders’ Vision
Despite our significant growth, we remain true to the vision set by our founders, who continue to play an integral role in shaping Schnitz. Their passion for serving real food made with care continues to influence everything we do, from equipment innovation to food development and brand direction.
Our founders are committed to preserving the integrity of our schnitzels and the traditional cooking processes that have made us famous. This dedication ensures that as we expand, we continue to offer high-quality food at affordable prices, maintaining the reputation that Schnitz has built over the years.
Expanding with Integrity and Values
As we prepare to bring Schnitz to emerging markets in NSW, QLD, and WA, our commitment to our founding values – Compassion, Integrity, Quality, and Family – remains as strong as ever. These values are the foundation of everything we do, guiding us as we continue to grow.
They shape how our team interacts with each other, our Franchise Partners, and our guests. Upholding these values ensures that every Schnitz experience is consistent with the standards our brand is known for and helps us maintain the strong reputation we’ve earned.
Driving Growth Through Expertise and Innovation
The success of Schnitz wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the dedicated support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes. With over 100 years of combined experience in the hospitality and retail industries, our SLT ensures that we consistently deliver on our promises to our Franchise Partners and guests.
Our Operations Team is relentless in maintaining the quality of our products, while our Marketing & Innovation teams drive menu development, national campaigns, and local area marketing initiatives. Together, these efforts ensure that Schnitz continues to attract and retain guests, helping our Franchise Partners thrive.
Our dedicated Franchising Team also provides ongoing support to our Franchise Partners, from the initial investment discussions to the eventual sale of their business. We’ve invested in a team that’s not only highly skilled but also passionate about the franchising industry, ensuring that our partners have the resources they need to succeed.
Sustaining Success Through Dedication and Vision
As we look to the future, our focus remains on delivering exceptional food, maintaining high standards, and supporting our Franchise Partners at every step. With a proven business model, strong leadership, and a commitment to our founding values, Schnitz is poised for continued growth and success in the fast-casual dining sector.
At Schnitz, our schnitzel is our superpower that sets us apart, and it’s our people, processes, and passion that make our brand what it is today. These elements drive our success, and I’m confident they will continue to do so as we grow.