When you manage or own a restaurant, the last thing you want to see is the dining room table wobbling around. Customer service is a key factor in having people return to your restaurant, and if patrons are dining on a wobbly table they're not likely to return. In fact, 65% of us, according to a recent 2018 yougov.com poll, won't come back.
What causes a restaurant table to become unsteady and wobble around? Many of the problems one sees are because of the table base. If you have a weak foundation, then you can count on the rest of the table failing in time. However, a strong table base delivers a solid product that holds up under pressure and will last many years. Here are the qualities that go into making a high-quality table base:
Strong, Solid Materials
Before the 1950's many table bases were large, clunky casted metal, like our illustration. In 1958, Frank Jacobs knew that there had to be a better way. Something more eye-appealing. Something that wouldn't get in the way. In 1958, Frank broke the mold on the old-style chunk of metal. He developed another kind of mold; one that could support a table top while almost disappearing.
He started seeing just how much this style was catching on, and he set his sights on developing the best table base for the purpose it served. The 4-pronged, pedestal table base was born. Since that time, the Jacobs family has put so much research in design and engineering, that the 4-pronged, cast iron table base is used in over 85% of the world's restaurants.
Today's manufacturers sometimes will use a stamped steel top plate that is welded on the steel column. While this is sometimes seen as a time-saver, the welds can break, crack, or weaken; and the stamped steel top plate can stretch. It also means that shipping is more costly, as a box that has to contain a top plate welded onto the column has to be at least as wide as the top plate itself. And, if not packed to ensure safe arrival, the columns can be bent or damaged to where they may not be usable at all.
That's one of the big differences in a JI Base. JI Bases uses cast iron, which will NEVER bend or flex. 
It may break, but it won't bend. And, because of JI Bases' lifetime guarantee, if it breaks, we replace it for you. Plus, we make sure to ship top plates with top plates; columns with columns and base plates with base plates. Even if you purchase in very small quantities, where we can ship one base in a box, all components are neatly and safely packed to ensure usability right out of the box.
Sturdy Base Styles
Whether you want a table for two or a table for six, you need to have sturdy base styles from which to choose. You may not want a one size fits all table base. You need options and choices so you can select the styles that suit your needs such as:
- Cast Iron 4-Prong Table Base
- Cast Iron 3-Prong Table Base
- Cast Iron Round Table Base
- Stainless Steel 4-Prong Table Base
- Stainless Steel Round Table Base
- Stainless Steel Square Table Base
- Cantilevers & Floor-mounted Bases
Professional Grade Construction
Another important feature to look for when searching for the perfect table base is professional grade construction and quality. You want your table bases to last for many years without a problem. The only way to achieve that is to ensure you are purchasing professional grade equipment.
Strict quality control processes are in place that have taken 60 years to perfect to where they are today. JI Bases uses their own facilities and staff members to insure that these policies are taken seriously. Columns are cut square and castings are inspected before being packed, shipped, and included in our inventory.
Decades of Experience
Finally, you want to work with a company you can trust. Trust comes when a business has built a solid reputation over the years. When a business has been around for decades, it's because they are doing something right. If they didn't have a great product, then they wouldn't still be in business decades later. These many years in the industry means they have a record of accomplishments. Customers rely on companies that provide quality goods.
Are you tired of seeing customers wobble back and forth at your restaurant tables? Do you want to upgrade to a solid, cast iron table base that won't let you down? Take your business to the next level with higher quality table bases that will hold up for years. Your customers will dine comfortably and return repeatedly. JI Bases has been in the business of creating table bases since 1958. With several options from which to choose, you will find the perfect selection for your restaurant. To find out more information about our products, browse our website or get in touch with us today!
