Here’s the simple solution.
Restaurant chains, from quick-service to fine dining, succeed by offering a consistent, exceptional experience. Key elements include a well-designed menu, clean premises, and courteous staff, which all lead to a positive customer experience and a healthy bottom line. However, these elements can be quickly spoiled by one of the industry’s most common complaints: wobbly tables.
“We’ve all been in a situation where you sit down at a restaurant, and the table is wobbly,” says Gene Davis, Sr Director of Facilities for Mendocino Farms. “It detracts from the dining experience and becomes a focal point of frustration rather than enjoyment.”
FLAT® provides table bases that automatically stabilise, eliminating wobbly tables, and enabling alignment with other tabletops. Before implementing FLAT products, Mendocino Farms faced the all-too-common scenario of unstable tables, requiring makeshift solutions like stuffing napkins or sugar packets under table legs.
According to a 2013 YouGov survey, 86 percent of consumers believe sitting at a wobbly table is irritating and distracting, and 75 percent think tables propped up by coasters, wadded-up napkins, sugar packets, or matchbooks are unsightly and unprofessional looking.
“I’ve been using FLAT® Table Bases for about eight or nine years,” Davis says. “When I joined Mendocino Farms five years ago, introducing FLAT was a no brainer because it was a solution that had proven its value repeatedly.”
Implementing FLAT® at Mendocino Farms’ locations has ensured that tables are stable and aligned perfectly, eliminating the wobble, frustration, and possible accidents unstable tables cause. “When tables are joined together, the alignment is crucial,” Davis says. “FLAT ensures that the edges align at the same height, preventing uneven gaps that can lead to drink spills and customer dissatisfaction.”
Introducing FLAT began with a simple, practical test. “We did the old-fashioned thing—installed their tables on uneven surfaces and see how they worked,” Davis says. The results were immediate and impressive. “Our teams loved it. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. As a customer, you only notice a table when it’s not right. With FLAT, our teams can focus on what truly matters—serving guests and preparing food—without worrying about unstable tables.”
FLAT Tech also offers significant operational efficiencies while providing tailored customer service for clients, ensuring operators have proactive support when needed. Because Mendocino Farms uses decorative table bases powder-coated in its proprietary blue color, FLAT works with the team to ensure brand consistency. “FLAT works closely with us to meet our specific needs,” Davis says. “Whether it’s custom colors or specific table designs, they deliver.”
Whether for two-tops, four-tops, dining, counter, or bar-height tables, FLAT provides solutions that meet diverse requirements. Mendocino Farms has also retrofitted older stores with FLAT® Equalizers, FLAT’s retrofittable solution for wobbly tables. These screw-in feet, enhance the stability of existing tables without the need for complete replacements.
FLAT’s innovative product lines can save money, reduce staff time spent on stabilising tables, minimise compensatory costs for spilled drinks, and enhance customer satisfaction.
In an industry where the customer experience can make or break success, FLAT’s table-stabilising products provide a reliable solution to a persistent problem. For Mendocino Farms, this means stable tables, satisfied customers, and a focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Mendocino Farms Managing Partner and Restaurant Veteran Jenna Lee recently opened a brand-new store at Harbor & Adams, Costa Mesa CA, and stated. “I came from a legacy location which was awesome, but didn’t have FLAT Table Bases, we always spent time moving tables, flipping them, and adjusting the feet so my guests had a great experience. With FLAT Table Bases, I can honestly say that I have never had to do this in my new location! They operate just the way they should – you never have to think about uneven or wobbly tables – my team and I love them!”
“It’s a game changer for an age-old problem,” Davis says. “We want our teams focused on guests, not on fixing tables. Having FLAT allows us to concentrate on what matters—serving our guests and growing our brand.”
Chains interested in stabilising and aligning their tables with FLAT® can request a trial or contact us for more information.
