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

Pasadena, CA – October 26, 2023 – IHOP Franchisor LLC, the driving force behind the beloved IHOP restaurant chain, today announced the release of a brand-new product designed to dramatically improve kitchen safety and operational efficiency: the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen. This isn’t just some after-thought; it's something we developed because we run hundreds of restaurants and know what chefs and kitchen staff really need. For years, IHOP restaurants, like many commercial kitchens, have faced ongoing challenges with grease buildup, fire hazards, and insect infestations stemming from exhaust hoods and grille systems. Traditional cleaning methods are time-consuming, disruptive, and often don't fully address the root of the problem. The IHOP Cowl Grille Screen changes all that. What is the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen? Think of it as a super-duty, easy-to-install filter that sits right inside your cowl grille – that big metal box above your cooking equipment. But it’s not your grandpa’s grease filter! We’ve been working on the design for over two years, testing different materials and configurations in real IHOP kitchens, with real cooks using it day in and day out. “We weren’t happy with what was out there,” says Mark Johnson, IHOP's Director of Facilities. “Everything felt either flimsy or too much work to maintain. We needed something robust, effective, and easy for our teams to use. So, we built it ourselves.” The screen is made from a high-grade, commercial-strength stainless steel mesh, specifically engineered to capture even the smallest grease particles before they reach the exhaust ductwork. It also acts as a barrier against pests – keeping flies, insects, and even small rodents out of your kitchen. Why is this a big deal? Let’s break it down: Major Fire Safety Boost: Grease buildup in exhaust systems is a leading cause of restaurant fires. By dramatically reducing grease accumulation, the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen significantly lowers that risk. This isn't just about avoiding damage; it's about protecting lives. Lower Maintenance Costs: Forget about constant, expensive deep cleaning of your exhaust system. The IHOP Cowl Grille Screen is designed for easy removal and cleaning – usually just a quick wash with soap and water. This translates to substantial savings on labor and professional cleaning services. We've seen restaurants reduce their exhaust cleaning frequency by up to 50%! Improved Kitchen Hygiene: Keeping grease and pests out of your kitchen isn't just about looks; it's about food safety. A cleaner kitchen is a healthier kitchen, which builds trust with your customers. Increased Efficiency: A clean exhaust system operates more efficiently, drawing out smoke and odors more effectively. This creates a more comfortable working environment for your staff and a more pleasant dining experience for your customers. Easy Installation: We know kitchen staff are busy. That’s why we designed the screen to be incredibly easy to install – no special tools or professional help required. It fits standard-sized cowl grilles, and we even have a quick-install video guide on our website. Built to Last: We’re IHOP. We run restaurants 24/7. We need equipment that can handle the heat – literally. The screen is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, designed to withstand the rigors of a commercial kitchen for years to come. How IHOP Developed the Screen: A Restaurant-First Approach This isn't some product cooked up in a lab. It came from inside IHOP. For months, we gathered feedback from cooks, kitchen managers, and maintenance staff across our restaurant network. We asked them about their biggest frustrations with existing exhaust systems. We learned about the challenges of cleaning, the constant worry about grease fires, and the ongoing battle against pests. “We didn’t just want to create a product,” explains Sarah Miller, IHOP’s Lead Product Engineer. “We wanted to create the product that solves these problems for our franchisees and other restaurant owners. We focused on real-world usability, durability, and ease of maintenance.” The team went through dozens of prototypes, testing different materials, mesh sizes, and frame designs. They conducted rigorous fire safety tests to ensure the screen met the highest standards. And they constantly refined the design based on feedback from the field. Beyond IHOP: A Solution for All Restaurants While the IHOP Cowl Grille Screen was born out of a need within our own restaurants, we quickly realized that this product could benefit any commercial kitchen. That's why we're now making it available to restaurants of all sizes and types. “We believe that every restaurant deserves a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen,” says David Lee, IHOP’s Director of Franchise Sales. “This product is a simple, affordable way to achieve that.” Where to Learn More & Purchase: The IHOP Cowl Grille Screen is available for purchase online at [Insert Website Here] and through select restaurant supply distributors. You can find detailed product specifications, installation instructions, and customer testimonials on our website. IHOP Franchisor LLC: IHOP Franchisor LLC is the owner of the IHOP brand and a leading quick-service restaurant operator. We are committed to providing our franchisees and customers with the highest quality products and services. Our headquarters are located at 10 W Walnut St, 5th Floor, Pasadena, CA, 91103-3633, UNITED STATES. You can reach us at 951-272-0214.