Premium Quality Equipment for any Kitchen
Ripple Wine Bar in Covington, Kentucky, offers an amazing wine selection, elevated food menu, and effortlessly cool vibe. The historic building adds a unique charm, while the stylish furniture, lighting, and decor pull it all together for a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in a space that used to be an alley.
When building out the kitchen, Ripple’s owners Matt and Kathleen Haws worked with their executive chef, Will Smith, to make the most out of their unique space. They had a very small kitchen area to work with, so they knew they’d have to get creative. Their solution: Vollrath equipment.
We met with Matt, Kathleen and Will to learn why they chose Vollrath equipment to help them maximize their menu offerings and make the most of their small space.
Space-saving Designs
Matt and Kathleen really wanted to include food on their menu, but they weren’t sure that would be possible. The kitchen space they had to work with was only about 7 by 13 feet.
“Every single thing we did here was not easy, from a build out stand point, and that includes trying to build out the kitchen,” says Kathleen Haws. “We weren’t sure we were going to be able to do anything more than some great charcuterie, and maybe a few other appetizers.”
They asked Smith to come up with some ideas. The goal was to create a kitchen that could be “sustainable, efficient, and affordable,” says Kathleen Haws, with no fire. It was a big ask.
Smith immediately knew that Vollrath’s induction technology could be the answer. Vollrath induction ranges are small, powerful, and fast, which is a winning combination for Ripple.
“We use two induction ranges for a 60 seat restaurant, and they are constantly going,” says Smith.
The sleek induction ranges plug right into the wall, so Smith can place them wherever he wants. The induction technology generates heat directly in the pan for exceptional efficiency and speed, allowing Smith to work fast enough to keep up with demand and save valuable space.
Vollrath induction ranges offer superior quality and efficiency in a small, compact design, so Smith can create premium quality results without dedicating a whole section of his kitchen to a traditional range.
“What we’ve done is proven that you don’t have to have a giant commercial kitchen. The best equipment isn’t always the biggest equipment, says Kathleen Haws.
Exceptional Performance
Not only do Vollrath induction ranges allow Ripple to save space, but they also offer incomparable precision and power. The units provide accurate temperature control, down to the degree, which helps Smith produce a variety of dishes.
Vollrath induction burners also feature an extended magnetic field, which ensures uninterrupted heat while lifting or tilting the pan. This emulates the performance of gas and prevents temperature fluctuations.
“Not only does it heat up quickly, it maintains that heat when you lift up the skillet, while you’re sautéing vegetables, shrimp, things like that,” says Smith. “They allow you to have a very good sear, without scorching… with the induction burner, you can set it at a certain temperature and it’s going to be perfect every time.”
Another feature Smith loves is the temperature probe, which is perfect for making sauces or stocks. It allows him to monitor the temperature inside the pot, prevent scorching at the bottom, and produce excellent results over and over again.
His Vollrath induction ranges offer top-notch performance, reliability, and versatility, and Ripple’s menu selection would be much slimmer without them.
“I would say 90% of our customers that come in are just as impressed with what we’re able to produce as we still are, day to day,” says Kathleen Haws. “Sometimes I can’t believe that we’re able to put some of these elevated dishes in front of our guests, and do it quickly.”
The fact that Ripple can offer a sizable menu with such a small kitchen is a huge feat, but Vollrath induction technology makes it possible.
High-Quality Construction
When it came time to select the rest of their kitchen tools, Kathleen and Matt needed equipment that offered superior performance and looked great in their open, exposed kitchen. Again, they discovered that Vollrath was the answer.
Vollrath cookware is built with durability and versatility in mind. The strong construction prevents dings and dents, so it always looks new, while the variety of coating options ensures smooth release and easy cleaning, no matter what you’re cooking.
“We want people to perceive quality as soon as they walk in,” says Matt Haws. “You can tell the quality of a
Vollrath skillet over a cheap skillet, you can just tell. It looks good.”
Kathleen agrees that Vollrath equipment not only looks better in their open kitchen, but delivers better results for
their guests.
“We need to know that we can trust our equipment the way the same way that we trust our staff. Starting there,
providing quality equipment, affects attitude, it affects time, it affects efficiency, and then ultimately, the guest
experience,” she explains.
We love seeing how different establishments make the most of our equipment, and Ripple is a perfect example. We’re proud to know that they depend on Vollrath equipment to make their goals, kitchen, and exciting dishes come to life.
