IHOP Enhances Kitchen Efficiency with New Cowl Grille Assembly

Pasadena, CA – October 26, 2023 – IHOP Restaurants LLC, a leading breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant chain with locations across the United States, today announced the rollout of a newly designed cowl grille assembly in its restaurant kitchens. This isn't something customers will see directly, but it’s a big deal for getting their favorite pancakes and omelets to the table faster and fresher. For those unfamiliar, IHOP isn't just about fluffy pancakes. We're a huge operation, serving millions of guests every year. That means serious cooking is happening 24/7 in our kitchens. And keeping those kitchens running smoothly, safely, and efficiently is a top priority. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and that includes even the bits and pieces you don’t normally think about. “We're really focused on consistently delivering a great dining experience,” explains David Hamilton, IHOP’s VP of Restaurant Operations. “That starts with the food, of course, but it also means ensuring our teams have the right tools and equipment to work effectively. This new cowl grille is a small part of that bigger picture, but it makes a noticeable difference.” So, what is a cowl grille assembly? Think of it as the 'hood' over the cooking equipment – the griddles, fryers, and ranges where all the breakfast magic happens. It's a critical component of the kitchen ventilation system. Its main job? To suck out all the smoke, grease, heat, and odors generated during cooking. It keeps the kitchen air clean, safe, and comfortable for our cooks, and helps maintain a healthy dining environment for our guests. Why the Upgrade? For years, IHOP used a standard cowl grille assembly. It worked, sure, but we noticed some areas where we could improve. Our team spent months researching and testing different designs, working with leading manufacturers to create something specifically tailored to the demands of a high-volume IHOP kitchen. “We were seeing challenges with grease buildup, inconsistent airflow, and difficulty with cleaning and maintenance,” explains Emily Carter, IHOP’s Director of Kitchen Design. “Those issues, even if minor, can add up over time, impacting efficiency and potentially affecting food quality. We wanted a solution that addressed all those points.” The new cowl grille assembly boasts a number of key improvements: Enhanced Grease Filtration: The new design incorporates a multi-stage grease filtration system that captures more grease before it builds up. This means less frequent cleaning, reduced fire risk, and a healthier kitchen environment. We’re talking about a significant reduction in the amount of grease that needs to be disposed of – which is good for the environment, too. Optimized Airflow: The assembly’s internal baffles and airflow channels have been redesigned to maximize airflow, ensuring that smoke and odors are effectively removed from the kitchen. This results in a clearer, more comfortable workspace for our cooks, and a better experience for diners. Simplified Cleaning: The new assembly is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning. Many components are dishwasher-safe, reducing labor costs and ensuring thorough sanitation. “We know our kitchen teams are busy,” says Hamilton. “Anything we can do to simplify their jobs, without compromising quality or safety, is a win.” Durable Construction: Built with high-quality stainless steel, the new assembly is designed to withstand the rigors of a busy commercial kitchen. It's built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving the company money in the long run. Improved Safety: Reduced grease buildup means a lower risk of kitchen fires, contributing to a safer work environment for our teams. Rollout & Impact The new cowl grille assembly is currently being rolled out to all IHOP restaurants across the United States. The company expects the upgrade to have a positive impact on several key areas: Increased Kitchen Efficiency: Better airflow and simplified cleaning will help streamline kitchen operations, allowing cooks to prepare food faster and more efficiently. Improved Food Quality: A cleaner, more comfortable kitchen environment can contribute to improved food safety and quality. Reduced Maintenance Costs: The durable construction and simplified cleaning will reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Enhanced Safety: Reduced grease buildup will lower the risk of kitchen fires, contributing to a safer work environment. Positive Team Member Experience: A more efficient and comfortable kitchen can lead to increased job satisfaction for IHOP team members. “This isn’t a flashy, customer-facing change,” concedes Hamilton. “But it’s a crucial investment in our operations and our people. We’re committed to providing our teams with the tools and equipment they need to deliver the best possible dining experience for our guests. The new cowl grille is just one example of that commitment.” IHOP Restaurants LLC continues to innovate and improve its operations, ensuring that it remains a leading breakfast, lunch, and dinner destination for millions of guests across the United States. We're always looking for ways to make things better, from the ingredients we use to the equipment in our kitchens – and everything in between.