Sept. 11, 2007 - America Chooses 'Best Restroom'

The faux entrance of Jungle Jim's restroom leads to a hallway adorned in a jungle motif and a 10-stall restroom.

The Internet public has cast their ballots, and Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio, was chosen as “America’s Best Restroom.” The annual contest - now in its sixth year - is presented by Cincinnati-based Cintas Corp., a leading provider of restroom hygiene products and services.

This year’s contest attracted nominations from a wide cross-section of businesses, including restaurants, hotels and casinos. Five finalists were selected based on exceptional hygiene, style and open access to the public. Tens of thousands of votes were cast at the program’s Web site.

Jungle Jim’s restroom won over voters not only with its size and décor, but also its humor. On first approach to the restroom doors, they appear to be handicapped-sized port-o-lets. This faux entrance leads to a hallway adorned in a jungle motif and a 10-stall restroom.

Unsuspecting shoppers can be seen patiently waiting their turn outside the doors - until they see three or four people exiting. “I’m all about putting smiles on people’s faces,” said Jungle Jim’s Owner Jim Bonaminio. “People are so tense these days. Those bathrooms just seem to make people laugh and that’s what we’re all about: laughing and having fun.”

Jungle Jim’s received a plaque of recognition from Cintas during a special presentation Aug. 21, and secured its place in the “America’s Best Restroom Hall of Fame” found at www.bestrestroom.com.

Below are the contest results:

Fairfield, OH

Virginia Beach, VA

Las Vegas, NV

Proctor, VT

Flushing, MI