IHOP Revamps Kitchen Efficiency with Innovative Cowl Grille Assembly

Pasadena, CA – October 26, 2023 – IHOP Restaurants LLC, the global leader in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, today announced a significant upgrade to its kitchen operations with the implementation of a newly designed cowl grille assembly. This isn't about pancakes directly, but it will impact how quickly those fluffy stacks get to your table! For decades, IHOP has been a cornerstone of American dining, known for its welcoming atmosphere and, of course, its iconic pancakes. But behind the scenes, keeping up with the demand for those signature dishes – and the ever-expanding menu that includes burgers, salads, and more – requires relentless focus on efficiency. That's where this new cowl grille assembly comes in. "We're always looking for ways to improve the dining experience, and that starts in the kitchen," says Sarah Miller, VP of Operations at IHOP. “It’s not glamorous, but a smoother-running kitchen directly translates to faster service, fresher food, and happier guests. This new component is a key part of that effort." So, what is a cowl grille assembly and why is IHOP excited about it? Essentially, it’s a critical part of the commercial kitchen’s ventilation system. Think of it as the “lungs” of the kitchen, responsible for sucking out all the smoke, grease, and odors produced during cooking. IHOP kitchens are busy places, constantly generating heat and fumes. A robust and effective ventilation system isn’t just about comfort; it’s about health, safety, and maintaining a clean environment. The previous cowl grille assemblies used in IHOP restaurants were… well, they were getting a bit long in the tooth. After years of hard work, they were showing wear and tear, becoming less efficient at capturing smoke and grease, and requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance. This meant higher operational costs and potential disruptions to service. "We realized we needed a solution that was not only more powerful but also easier to maintain," explains David Chen, IHOP's Director of Kitchen Equipment. "We did a lot of research and testing, looking at different materials, designs, and manufacturing processes." What’s Different About the New IHOP Cowl Grille Assembly? The newly implemented assembly boasts several key improvements: Enhanced Grease Capture: The design features a significantly improved baffle system. Baffles are those angled plates inside the hood that force the smoke and grease to change direction, causing the grease to condense and drip down into the grease trap. The new design uses a more complex arrangement of baffles, increasing the surface area for condensation and capturing up to 30% more grease. That's a big win for cleanliness and fire safety. Superior Airflow: The assembly's internal geometry has been optimized to maximize airflow. This means the system can pull out smoke and odors more effectively, even during peak cooking times. More airflow also means less heat buildup in the kitchen, creating a more comfortable working environment for IHOP's cooks. Durable Construction: The assembly is now constructed from high-grade 304 stainless steel, a material known for its corrosion resistance and longevity. This means the new assembly will stand up to the harsh demands of a busy commercial kitchen and last significantly longer than the previous version. No more worrying about rust or warping! Simplified Cleaning: IHOP's team recognized that ease of cleaning is crucial. The new assembly features a streamlined design with fewer nooks and crannies, making it easier to wipe down and sanitize. It also incorporates removable grease trays for quick and hassle-free grease disposal. This means less time spent on cleaning and more time focused on cooking. Modular Design: The new assembly is designed to be modular, meaning individual components can be easily replaced without having to replace the entire unit. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs. If a baffle gets damaged, you don’t need to shut down the whole hood to fix it. Pilot Program and Rollout Before implementing the new assembly across all of its restaurants, IHOP conducted a thorough pilot program in several locations. The results were overwhelmingly positive. Restaurants reported: A noticeable reduction in smoke and odors in the dining area. Improved air quality in the kitchen. Reduced cleaning time and maintenance costs. Positive feedback from kitchen staff. Based on the success of the pilot program, IHOP has begun a phased rollout of the new cowl grille assembly to all of its restaurants nationwide. The company anticipates that the project will be completed by the end of 2024. "We're committed to providing our guests with the best possible dining experience," says Miller. "And that includes creating a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen environment. This new cowl grille assembly is a small but important step in that direction." Looking Ahead IHOP isn't stopping there. The company is continuing to invest in new technologies and equipment to improve its kitchen operations and enhance the guest experience. This includes exploring options for energy-efficient ventilation systems and automated cleaning solutions. “We want our kitchens to be state-of-the-art,” Chen explains. “We want to empower our cooks with the tools they need to create delicious meals quickly and efficiently. It's all about making life easier for them – and ultimately, making our guests happier." So, the next time you're enjoying a stack of IHOP's famous pancakes, remember that there's a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure your meal is fresh, delicious, and served with a smile. And now, thanks to this innovative cowl grille assembly, those kitchens are a little bit cleaner, a little bit more efficient, and a little bit better equipped to deliver the breakfast, lunch, or dinner you crave.