THE STORY: In 1948 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Alphonse and Lucky Lodato wanted to create games for people to both enjoy and appreciate the high quality the games that are made. More than seven decades later, Crisloid Products Inc., now based in Providence, continues making hand-crafted board games, including checkers, mah jong, dominoes and its trademark game, the Newport Master Backgammon Table.
› The Newport Master Backgammon Table was first made in 2018, and between 50 and 100 are made each year.
› The table is crafted from hardwood cherry harvested in the eastern U.S., stands 30 inches tall, and is 43.25 inches wide and 27 inches long. Game pieces are casted in resin, and cork is both prepared and printed in Portugal.
› It takes the company’s 10-plus employees approximately three to five weeks to make each table.
› Each table sells for $2,500.
› The tables are bought by individuals and clubs all over the world.
COVID-PROOF: The company has remained operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and demand for games has increased, since people have had to stay at home.
