As Ipswich Town Football Club, Suffolk’s only professional football team, embarks on an exciting chapter in the Premier League, the club is setting new standards in hospitality with cutting-edge kitchen technology. Founded in 1878 and a Football League member since 1938, Ipswich Town continues its legacy of excellence on and off the pitch, offering an array of hospitality options from casual dining to exclusive VIP packages.
To meet the demands of matchday and event catering, Ipswich Town has embraced Rational’s cooking systems, including iHexagon, iVario and iCombi, also incorporating the latest Autodose cleaning technology in both iCombi and iHexagon, transforming the culinary experience for fans and guests.
Catering to diverse needs, from the bowl food area in the Cobbold Stand for up to 80 guests to private boxes for 28, the iHexagon cooking systems ensure efficiency and quality without compromise.
“I first learned about iHexagon when my bosses went over to see the demonstration. They could not stop talking about how quick it was, the quality, and how reliable it is. So, then we had them installed. I was sceptical, and then it was like, wow.”
“The iHexagon has contributed to reducing food waste. Massive, massive drop. Because we only put through what we need, we don’t go through as much or waste any products.” This innovation ensures Ipswich Town’s hospitality team delivers a premium experience, even during high-demand periods such as back-to-back matches.
The revolution didn’t stop there, with the iVario elevating their kitchen operations even further.
“As soon as the iVario came in, it was a game changer,” says Carl Collins, Executive Head Chef at Ipswich Town FC. “Previously, we just had a solid flat top with a couple of rings. not ideal for what we're using it for because the kitchen we're using it in is all electric which doesn't really help.”
From making Irish stew in 30 minutes instead of two hours to sealing meats and boiling rice with a single button press, the iVario enhances efficiency.
“It also saves kitchen space and reduces cleaning time to two minutes, keeping the workspace organised,” adds Collins.
With Rational’s innovative cooking systems, Ipswich Town FC has set a new standard for matchday hospitality, ensuring every meal is prepared with speed, precision, and quality. The club’s commitment to excellence in catering reflects its ambition on and off the pitch, delivering an unmatched experience for fans and guests alike.