What It Takes to be Named Canada’s Best Restroom
It’s no surprise that public washrooms don’t typically receive a lot of praise. So when a public washroom makes you stop to take a video or capture a quick selfie, this deserves to be celebrated. Since 2010, Cintas Canada has shined a spotlight on worthy public washrooms for its annual Canada’s Best Restroom contest®. The contest highlights the importance of washroom maintenance in driving customer satisfaction and repeat business. Research shows that restaurant customers are impacted by washroom care. In fact, more than half of adults are unlikely to return to a business after experiencing unpleasant restrooms.
Every year, the contest reviews incredible nominees from across Canada before selecting five finalists based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements. The public then has the opportunity to vote for their favourite. Throughout the years, restaurants have proven to be particularly strong candidates, some going on to take home the title of Canada’s Best Restroom.
Here’s what earned these restaurants a top spot in the Canada’s Best Restroom contest:
- Dorinku (2017)
Those looking for a memorable meal should check out Dorinku in Edmonton, AB. This Japanese pub was inspired by Tokyo street culture and boasts some of the coolest washroom accents around. Within the washroom walls, visitors will find anime figurines encased in an artistic display. The bursts of character in the bright coloured soap and paper towel dispensers are balanced by the warm, natural wood grains of the vanity and walls.
This well-do-to washroom features a sculpted bronze handle attached to a solid wood door leading customers into its spectacular washroom. Continuing the theme of knockout entryways; white glass doors guard private stalls, each lit by its own chandelier. The pièce de résistance of this washroom is its custom polished chrome vanity.
- The Tommyfield Gastro Pub (2015)
Three restaurants were named finalists in the 2015 Canada’s Best Restroom contest. The UK-inspired Tommyfield Gastro Pub resides in Calgary, AB and is a real trip through time. Photos of old England line the walls and each stall hides behind a door painted to resemble an iconic red telephone booth.
- BNA Brewing Company & Eatery (2015)
Located in a building that once housed the British North American Tobacco Company, this Kelowna landmark celebrates its roots in every design choice, including bright bulb lights around the mirror, beautiful exposed brick walls and faucets mounted in the washroom mirrors.
- Bank & Baron P.U.B. (2015)
Built in 1931, Bank & Baron P.U.B. earned a finalist spot because its washrooms feature details from its original design. The historic ceiling, mouldings and light fixtures complement distinct art deco architecture while the walls are adorned with dark wood and custom glass mosaics.
- Steamworks Brew Pub in Gastown (2013)
Chatty friends love this washroom for its unique social feature: shoulder-high partitions between stalls. Occupants can converse freely anywhere in this washroom while surrounded by spectacular polished stone and glass mosaic infinity tiles from ceiling to floor. The space is finished off with marble countertops, stainless steel fixtures and sleek wall sconces.
- CHOP (2013)
This washroom earned a finalist spot for its eight-foot tall stone fountain carved with floral and animal artwork. CHOP’s washroom envelops guests in dreamy ambiance with low golden lights and a covering of flower arrangements. Luxurious leather couches make the washroom a great spot for private conversation.
- Earls on King Street (2012)
To truly feel like royalty, take a stroll down King Street to Earls for a vintage-meets-Versailles feel. This high-end eatery boasts custom wallpaper with images harking back to the restaurant’s original menus. The washroom is no less posh with chandeliers, imported and hand-cut marble signage as well as herringbone patterned tiling.
- e11even (2011)
This upscale restaurant in the heart of downtown was crowned Canada’s Best Restroom only a year after the contest began. The swanky, spacious washrooms were designed by members of world-renowned New York design firm, the Rockwell Group. e11even’s leather banquettes and vintage accents are complemented in its washroom where guests can admire finishes such as floor-to-ceiling marble tiling and fresh orchids.
Canada’s restaurants are some of the most vibrant and innovative in the world, and the washrooms are no exception. If your restaurant features a washroom with stunning stalls or fascinating faucets, nominate it by June 15 for the 2018 Canada’s Best Restroom contest here!
