Australian fast-casual dining brand Schnitz has rolled out two strategic initiatives — a new dessert menu and a dedicated catering service — designed to broaden customer appeal and support its ongoing national expansion amid evolving consumer demand.

The brand recently introduced its first dessert range, in partnership with The Cookie Dough Co., adding sweet options like loaded cookies, skillets, brownies and ice cream to its menu across all stores nationwide. The new treats are available alongside Schnitz’s signature hand-crumbed chicken schnitzels, wraps, chips and salads, offering guests a full meal-plus dessert experience.

In a separate move to diversify revenue and drive non-dine-in occasions, Schnitz has launched Schnitz Catering, bringing its hand-crumbed favourites to corporate events, parties, family gatherings and other group occasions. The catering offering includes mini burger boxes, wrap boxes, salad boxes, side boxes and large servings of chips, with both chicken and vegetarian options available.

“At Schnitz, we believe great food brings people together… Entering the catering space was a no-brainer for Schnitz; we know that our golden-crumbed schnitzels and freshly made menu will help make any occasion memorable,” commented Schnitz CEO Kerri Wane, emphasising the brand’s focus on shared experiences and flexible dining formats.(Source: LinkedIn)

These initiatives reflect Schnitz’s broader strategy to meet diverse customer occasions — from quick lunches and dinners to celebrations and corporate functions — while strengthening its value proposition in an increasingly competitive fast-casual market.

Growth and Franchise Expansion Outlook

Schnitz continues to expand its footprint across Australia, with its 80th restaurant recently opening in Warrnambool, Victoria — marking another milestone for the brand’s regional reach. The new outlet offers the full Schnitz menu and underlines the chain’s ability to penetrate both metropolitan and regional markets.

Over the past several years, Schnitz has grown rapidly from just a few dozen restaurants to a national footprint spanning Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, driven by a flexible story and approachable fast-casual model. According to franchise materials, its network expanded from roughly 30 stores to over 75 in around seven years, and continues to seek development opportunities across key growth corridors.

Schnitz’s expanded offerings reflect broader trends in the Australian fast-casual franchise space, where brands diversify menus and delivery formats to capture both dine-in visitors and off-premise occasions across the nation.

Schnitz Franchise Growth(Projected for 2026)

Franchise Opportunity: Schnitz’s franchise model emphasises support across site selection, training, marketing and operations, appealing to entrepreneurs seeking to enter the fast-casual segment with a recognisable and scalable brand.