IHOP Franchisor LLC Launches Innovative Cowl Grille Screen for Enhanced Restaurant Hygiene & Efficiency

Pasadena, CA – October 26, 2023 – IHOP Franchisor LLC, the driving force behind the iconic IHOP restaurant chain (located at 10 W Walnut St, 5th Floor, Pasadena, CA, 91103-3633, and reachable at 951-272-0214), today announced the rollout of a groundbreaking new product designed to dramatically improve kitchen hygiene and operational efficiency for its franchisees, and now available for wider distribution – the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen. This isn’t just some fancy gadget; it’s a real game-changer for keeping kitchens clean and running smoothly. For decades, IHOP has been synonymous with a comforting breakfast experience. Behind that experience is a massive operation involving hundreds of restaurants consistently serving up pancakes, omelets, and everything in between. Maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety is always our top priority. That’s why we didn’t just buy a solution, we created one, born out of the real needs we see in our own restaurants. The Problem with Traditional Cowl Grilles Anyone who’s spent time in a commercial kitchen knows the struggle with cowl grilles. These metal grids sit above cooking equipment – think grills, fryers, ranges – and are vital for venting heat, smoke, and grease. However, they're notorious for collecting…well, everything. Grease, dust, food particles – you name it. This build-up isn’t just gross; it’s a real headache. “We saw our franchisees spending a ton of time and money cleaning those grilles,” explains David Moss, IHOP Franchisor’s Director of Operational Innovation. “It was a constant battle. They’d be scrubbing for hours, sometimes daily, just to keep them remotely clean. And even then, it was tough to get everything off. That’s a lot of labor cost, and it’s a potential health hazard if grease builds up and becomes a fire risk.” Traditional cleaning methods are also pretty disruptive. Restaurants often have to shut down cooking lines to thoroughly clean the grilles, costing them valuable production time and impacting customer service. Plus, the harsh chemicals used can be tough on employees and the environment. Introducing the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen: A Simple Solution to a Sticky Problem The IHOP Cowl Grille Screen is a revolutionary, washable filter that sits directly on top of existing cowl grilles. Think of it like an air filter for your kitchen’s exhaust system. Made from durable, high-quality, commercial-grade material, the screen captures grease, food particles, and other airborne contaminants before they can accumulate on the grille itself. “It’s incredibly simple,” says Sarah Chen, IHOP’s Senior Supply Chain Manager. “Just place it on top of the existing grille. When it gets dirty – and you'll clearly see when it does – simply remove it, wash it with soap and water, let it dry, and put it back. It takes minutes, not hours.” Here’s what makes the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen stand out: Significant Time Savings: Drastically reduces the time spent cleaning cowl grilles, freeing up kitchen staff to focus on what matters most – cooking great food and serving customers. Reduced Labor Costs: Less cleaning time translates directly to lower labor costs. Restaurants can redeploy staff to other areas, improving overall efficiency. Improved Hygiene: Captures grease and food particles, creating a cleaner, healthier kitchen environment and minimizing the risk of contamination. Fire Safety: Reduces grease build-up, lessening the risk of kitchen fires. A cleaner cowl grille is a safer cowl grille. Easy to Install & Maintain: No special tools or training required. Simply place, wash, and repeat. Reusable & Durable: Made from high-quality materials designed to withstand repeated washing and use. It's an investment that pays for itself. Cost Effective: Compared to the labor costs of constant deep cleaning, the screen provides a substantial ROI. Beyond IHOP: A Solution for All Commercial Kitchens While initially developed for IHOP restaurants, the Cowl Grille Screen is now available for purchase by any commercial kitchen – restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and more. “We quickly realized this wasn’t just a solution for IHOP,” explains Moss. “Every commercial kitchen deals with greasy cowl grilles. We wanted to share this innovation with the wider industry and help other operators improve their kitchens.” Early Feedback is Overwhelmingly Positive IHOP franchisees who participated in the initial pilot program have raved about the Cowl Grille Screen. “It’s a game-changer,” says Maria Rodriguez, an IHOP franchisee in Phoenix, Arizona. “My team used to spend at least two hours a week cleaning the cowl grilles. Now, it takes maybe 15 minutes, and the kitchen is noticeably cleaner. It’s saved us money, and it's given my team more time to focus on our customers.” Another franchisee, John Lee in Dallas, Texas, commented, “I was skeptical at first, but this thing actually works! It’s so easy to use, and it keeps the grilles much cleaner. I’m definitely ordering more for all my locations.” Availability and Ordering The IHOP Cowl Grille Screen is available in a range of sizes to fit most standard cowl grilles. To learn more or place an order, visit [insert website address here - placeholder] or call 951-272-0214. IHOP Franchisor LLC is committed to providing innovative solutions that help its franchisees and the wider hospitality industry thrive. This is just the latest example of that commitment.