You heard it here first: Charleston Distilling has just been made privvy to the fact that it’s a finalist for Best Restroom in America. That’s right, Cintas, the company behind the competition, opened nominations to a stream of entries earlier this year (Charleston Distilling swears they didn’t nominate themselves), and the distillery made the cut thanks to its creative whiskey barrel-shaped bathrooms. But rather than a latrine dream come true, news of the nomination has Charleston Distilling’s CEO Stephen Heilman actually hoping they’re loo-sers.
“We’re sort of hoping we don’t win,” says Heilman. “It could mean more bathroom cleaning.”
Either way, it looks like it’s gonna be one hell of a bowl game. Charleston Distilling has nine competitors facing off for the title of best porcelain throne room, and with designs as varying as a gilded Music Hall baño in New Hampshire to an underground salt-mine shitter in Kansas, it’s a tight race. But who will be flush with pride over the win? Click here to see all 10 potties and vote for your favorite.
Hailing from Perry Lakes Park, Alabama, this a 50-foot tall structure houses this toilet, where hikers love to take a load off. Does a bear shit in the woods? Maybe not anymore.
The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, renovated its bathrooms in 2008 and according to the director of operation’s press release statement, the crew is excited about the contest after putting “blood, sweat, and tears,” into the construction of a “magical experience.”
We’re not full of crap — here’s our favorite contestant, Charleston Distilling’s barrel-shaped bathrooms. Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.