Does Tampa have “America’s Best Restroom?”

October 22, 2013By John Milsaps

Historical article published in October 2013 about Tampa International Airport’s selection as a finalist in Cintas’ 12th annual America’s Best Restroom contest. Contest dates, passenger figures, and renovation details reflect the original announcement.

Tampa International Airport Named a Best Restroom Finalist in 2013

According to Forward Florida, Tampa International Airport’s investment of more than $4 million in restroom renovations earned it a place among 10 finalists in Cintas’ 12th annual America’s Best Restroom contest.

The airport competed against establishments including the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. Voting was scheduled to continue through October 31, with the winner earning a place in Cintas’ Bathroom Hall of Fame.

The renovations covered 20 main terminal restrooms and were part of a $30 million terminal modernization project. An online survey cited in the original announcement found that 87 percent of responding passengers noticed the improvements.

What Changed in the Airport Restrooms?

The redesigned facilities aimed to create a bright, clean atmosphere with a Florida feel. Improvements included:

Durable finishes: Stainless steel plumbing fixtures and stalls, quartz countertops, and porcelain tiles selected for durability and ease of maintenance.
Florida imagery: Full-wall glass murals featuring photographs of scenery, animals, and plant life native to Florida. Each restroom featured a different image, with the photographic print floating between two panes of glass.
Hands-free features: Automated conveniences intended to provide a sanitary, modern experience.
Family facilities: A family restroom adjacent to each set of restrooms, with a changing station, bench seating, and outlets for nursing mothers and guests using medical devices.
Reduced paper waste: Airblade hand dryers added as part of the project’s environmental priorities.
Energy-efficient lighting: LED fixtures intended to reduce energy consumption and extend fixture life.
Water conservation: Low-flow toilets and urinals that, according to the original announcement, reduced water usage by half.

Facilities as Part of the Customer Experience

The airport’s CEO emphasized that restroom facilities reflected the level of customer service provided by a business and could leave a lasting impression, for better or worse. With approximately 17 million passengers traveling through the airport annually at the time, those impressions mattered.

Cintas framed the contest around the idea that public restrooms could be elegant, eclectic, or quirky while remaining immaculate, inviting, and memorable. Its promotional message encouraged businesses to view facility maintenance as a reflection of their commitment to customer service.

“It’s a great opportunity! If you have a restroom that you’re proud of, it’s time to show it to the nation!”

— Mark Mustacchio, Vice President, Don’s Johns, Inc., a 2011 finalist

The company described its award as a way to recognize establishments creating memorable facilities and to give participating businesses additional exposure.