When my partner Dave Young mentioned on brandingblog.com that he'd been eavesdropping in the Cabela's restroom, it made me think of a conversation and another story I'd just read.
It reminded me of the conversation I had with a friend about the new Kona Grill that just opened at the Shops at La Cantera in San Antonio. I asked her if it was worth the trip ... she said the food wasn't that great, they had a cool aquarium ... "but you've got to see the bathroom!"
Later I was doing research on the innovative use of art programs at Kohler when I read they'd won the distinct honor of having one of America's Best Restrooms in 2004.
Kohler's 2004 Award-Winning Restroom at The John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
There's a similar organization, the British Toilet Association in the UK, awarding the same honors (The Loo of the Year Awards). In fact, they're much more sophisticated ... they award in 50 distinct categories and in 3 different countries.
But back to the "America's Best Restroom Awards," the fact that the award is sponsored by Cintas, is no accident (oops ... no pun intended).
Cincinnati-based Cintas provides highly specialized services to over 700,000 businesses across America, and some of their product lines include entrance mats, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products.
Kirk Kirssin, Cintas Director of Marketing says "People form perceptions about the way companies do business based on a simple trip to the restroom. That's something we help thousands of customers manage."
(It affects the customer's experience.)
Cintas is serving their culture, their community and doing it in a relevant and innovative way.
By the way, if you'd like to see the 2006 finalists and cast your vote for this year's Best Restroom ... you have until March 31st.
