THE new Schnitz Mildura restaurant has been overflowing with customers since it opened for business last Wednesday.
Franchise partner Adrian Morris said the response to the latest food offering on Langtree Avenue had been “absolutely massive”.
Open seven days for lunch and dinner, through dine-in, takeaway and deliveries, the 400sq m restaurant seats just over 120 patrons.
But staff were struggling to find tables for everyone, with lines of people spilling out the front door.
“We’re getting smashed for both lunch and dinner,” Mr Morris said.
“The town’s been crying out for something like this, and people love national brands coming to the area.”
In a boost for local jobs, Schnitz Mildura will employ about 30 full-time and casual staff.
Mr Morris said the most popular items on the menu were the hand-crafted, pan-cooked schnitzels, along with the chips.
“The chips are the best you’ll find anywhere,” he said.
“They are a beer-battered chip and the seasoning we use on them is amazing.”
The hospitality industry across Victoria has reported a recent decline in turnover, but Mr Morris said he was confident his business would “continue to flourish”.
“It’ll be brand recognition that makes this a sustainable business,” he said.
“We have a big menu with a lot of variety.
“We cater for families, and when the liquor licence comes through, people will be able to have a beer with their schnitzel.”
The Melbourne-founded company has big expansion plans.
“There are already about 80 Schnitz franchises nationwide and head office is planning to open another 15 a year over the next five years,” Mr Morris said.
