It’s been a while…

Much time has passed since my last post. I have some good reasons for the absence, however, the main one being I had a baby (who is now 9 months!). I am now ready to get back to evaluating bathrooms in and around the area.

Today’s evaluation takes us to Trader Joe’s in Pittsburgh, PA. I love Trader Joe’s. Great produce, organic items, lots of healthy and tasty foods, and pretty flower bouquets. One item that Trader Joe’s is known for is Two-Buck Chuck; very cheap (it’s actually $3 despite the name), and not terribly bad tasting, wine. Because of Pennsylvania liquor laws, however, no Two-Buck Chuck can be purchased. I also just learned that Two-Buck Chuck is owned by Franzia Wine…sorry Mom and Dad.

Whether you visit Trader Joe’s for their foods, flowers, or franzia-owned “Chuck,” you need to stop in the bathrooms. There are 2 bathrooms in the back, left corner of the store next to the sample area. Both are family bathrooms, which means they are equipped with changing tables. Each bathroom has a theme. One is a submerged submarine (of which I have no pictures). The other is done in a nautical theme.

From the paintings on the walls to the accessories, every square inch of the bathroom is used to complete the look. The ceiling was also covered in a canvas material that made it seem like you were under a boat sail. The lights were the same kind that you might see on a tugboat or fishing boat. Also, note that the toilet paper dispenser is a steering wheel, and it really turns.

Beside the sink – underneath where the boat in this picture is – is a wooden chest covered in sea shells. I assume it stores cleaning and paper projects, but T.J.’s covers the chest nicely and it doesn’t take away from the scene, but adds to it.

If you have ever been to Trader Joe’s you’ll know that they are busy…very busy…at any hour of the day. The bathrooms, however, showed no evidence of high traffic. They were clean, well-stocked, and fresh smelling. Therefore, if you are in the area of this Trader Joe’s, it’s definitely worth a stop to check out the bathrooms and maybe even spend some quiet time pretending to steer yourself to a tropical island.

Overall Grade: A+

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