IHOP Revamps Kitchen Efficiency with New Cowl Grille Assembly, Aiming for Faster Breakfasts & Happier Guests

PASADENA, CA – October 26, 2023 – IHOP RESTAURANTS LLC, the iconic breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant, is quietly rolling out a significant upgrade to its kitchen infrastructure – a newly designed cowl grille assembly. While guests might not see the change, IHOP says it’s all about getting those pancakes, eggs, and bacon to tables faster and keeping the kitchen a more comfortable place to work. “Look, we're IHOP. People come to us for a good breakfast, and they don't want to wait forever,” says a spokesperson for the Pasadena-based company (located at 10 W Walnut St, 5th Floor, 91103-3633; reachable at 913-917-3382). “We’re always looking for ways to improve, and that includes what's happening behind the scenes. This new cowl grille is a big part of that.” What’s a Cowl Grille and Why Does IHOP Care? For those unfamiliar, a cowl grille assembly is basically the vent hood system directly above cooking equipment like flat tops, griddles, and fryers. It sucks up all the smoke, grease, and heat generated during cooking. Seems simple, right? But a poorly designed or inefficient system can lead to a whole bunch of problems for a busy restaurant like IHOP. Think about it. IHOP kitchens are constantly cooking. Griddles are sizzling with pancakes, bacon is frying, eggs are cracking… all that creates a lot of heat and fumes. An old or inefficient cowl grille can: Slow Down Cooking: If it doesn’t vent effectively, the kitchen gets hot and steamy, making it uncomfortable for cooks. This can slow down their pace and lead to longer wait times for guests. Impact Food Quality: Excessive grease and smoke can affect the taste and quality of the food. No one wants a smoky pancake! Create a Health and Safety Hazard: Poor ventilation can lead to unhealthy air quality for employees and potentially create a fire hazard. Increase Cleaning Costs: More grease in the air means more frequent and intensive cleaning is needed. IHOP’s New Design: More Power, Smarter Flow IHOP says they spent months researching and testing different designs before settling on the new cowl grille assembly. It’s not a radical overhaul, but a series of key improvements designed to address the problems above. “We weren’t looking for something flashy,” explains the IHOP spokesperson. “We wanted something that worked better. Something that was more efficient, more reliable, and easier to maintain.” Here’s what they’ve changed: Increased Airflow: The new design features a more powerful fan and a redesigned baffle system. This means it can remove more smoke and grease faster. IHOP claims they’ve seen a significant increase in airflow compared to their previous system. Improved Grease Filtration: The new assembly uses a multi-stage grease filtration system. This means it captures more grease before it can build up in the ductwork, reducing fire risk and cleaning costs. They’re using a new type of filter that reportedly lasts longer and is more effective. Enhanced Design for Easier Cleaning: IHOP has redesigned several components to make cleaning easier and faster. This means less downtime for the kitchen crew and more time focusing on cooking. The new design incorporates more removable parts that can be easily washed. Durable Materials: IHOP says they've used higher-quality, more durable materials in the new assembly. This should reduce the need for repairs and replacements, saving them money in the long run. It’s built to withstand the constant heat and wear and tear of a busy commercial kitchen. Quieter Operation: While often overlooked, IHOP mentioned the new design has been engineered for quieter operation. A less noisy kitchen environment contributes to better employee morale and communication. What Does This Mean for IHOP Guests? While you won't see it, IHOP believes these changes will translate to a better dining experience. “Faster service, fresher food, and a more comfortable environment for our cooks – that’s the goal,” says the spokesperson. “We want you to get your pancakes hot and fresh, and we want our team to be able to deliver that consistently. This new cowl grille is a small but important step in making that happen.” IHOP is rolling out the new cowl grille assembly to all of its restaurants nationwide over the next several months. The company says they are already seeing positive results in the restaurants where the upgrade has been completed. “We’re committed to providing the best possible breakfast experience,” says the spokesperson. “And sometimes, that means investing in things you don’t even see.” IHOP RESTAURANTS LLC remains a cornerstone of American breakfast culture, and this quiet upgrade exemplifies the company’s ongoing commitment to efficiency and quality, all in the service of delivering a better experience for its millions of guests.