- Schnitz opened in Melbourne in 2007 and has more than 75 stores, mostly in shopping centres.
- Schnitz publishes an investment range of about $600,000 to $1.2 million plus GST, a $55,000 franchise fee, a 7% royalty and a 3% marketing fee.
- Total fees of 10% of sales come off before food, wages and rent, so margins need careful testing.
Schnitz opened its first restaurant in Melbourne in 2007 and began franchising in 2009. It sells hand-crumbed schnitzels in rolls, wraps and meals, and now has more than 75 stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
Schnitz is unusually open about its costs. This guide sets out the published figures and what we would test before you buy.
Schnitz franchise at a glance
| Founded | 2007, Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Franchising since | 2009 |
| Stores | More than 75 (company website) |
| Initial investment | About $600,000 to $1.2 million + GST (company website) |
| Franchise fee | $55,000 + GST (company website) |
| Ongoing fees | 7% royalty and 3% marketing fee, paid weekly (company website) |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Schnitz model works financially
A Schnitz store cooks to order, so it needs a substantial kitchen fit-out and trained staff throughout trading hours. Chicken and other proteins are the main food costs. With 10% of sales going to royalty and marketing, the store needs strong weekly sales to cover food, wages and shopping centre rent.
Schnitz says new store franchise agreements start at five years, with further terms aligned to the lease. Franchise partners must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
The numbers to test before you buy a Schnitz franchise
- Weekly sales needed to break even after the 10% fee load.
- Protein and other food costs as a percentage of sales.
- Wages, including weekend and evening rates.
- Total occupancy cost, including centre marketing levies.
- How the five year franchise term aligns with the lease.
- Delivery commissions and the share of sales through delivery.
Buying an existing Schnitz store
When buying an existing Schnitz store, ask for weekly sales reports for at least two years, profit and loss statements matched to BAS, and the lease. Check whether the franchise term will be extended to match any new lease.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Schnitz purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Schnitz store we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests break-even sales, food and wage costs, rent and fees.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that tracks protein costs, wages and weekly fees. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties and marketing fees to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next store. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Schnitz franchise FAQs
How much does a Schnitz franchise cost?
Schnitz publishes an initial investment of about $600,000 to $1.2 million plus GST, depending on location, size and premises.
What are the Schnitz franchise fees?
Schnitz publishes a $55,000 plus GST franchise fee, a 7% royalty and a 3% marketing fee, paid weekly.
How long is a Schnitz franchise term?
Schnitz says a new store agreement is an initial five years, with further terms aligned to the lease.
Can you review a Schnitz store for me?
Yes. We review sales, costs, fees and the lease as part of our business due diligence, which starts from $2,000 + GST.
Are there Schnitz franchises for sale?
Yes, existing Schnitz businesses come up for sale from time to time. Look for resale listings from the franchisor, business brokers and sites such as SEEK Business. Any purchase needs the franchisor’s consent, and you should receive the disclosure document and franchise agreement at least 14 days before the transfer is approved. Ask for three years of accounts, sales reports and the lease, and check how long is left on the franchise term.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Schnitz. Schnitz is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Schnitz: franchise information
- Franchise Business: Schnitz spotlight
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
