Chain eatery has Canada's top bathroom

BURNABY, British Columbia, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The head of a restaurant chain says he is "incredibly proud" his Burnaby, British Columbia, restaurant took the prize for having the best restroom in Canada.

The Cactus Club Cafe was selected in online voting ahead of a Vancouver hotel and three upscale Toronto eateries, Burnaby Now reported. This was the first Canadian competition for best restaurant bathrooms, although Cintas Corp., a Cincinnati purveyor of restroom supplies, began a contest south of the border several years ago.

"We are incredibly proud to be receiving this accolade for our Byrne Road location," said Richard Jaffray, president of the 16-restaurant chain. "We strive to bring our customers an affordable luxury experience at all our locations, and the restrooms are a part of that experience just like our food and dining rooms."

The restrooms at the Cactus Club feature areas with couches, chairs and carpeting. The more functional area has custom-designed johns in stalls with individual fans.

Anna Walentowicz, the designer, called the title an honor given the caliber of the competition. Five finalists were selected from more than 100 nominees and included the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver.