If the metric of popularity is longevity, Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom (ABR) contest is still connecting with consumers.

Rubin Communications Group conceived the competition a dozen years ago, and nominations are now being accepted for 2013 through July 23. Finalists will be announced August 6.

“Nominees and finalists run the gamut, from historical buildings or five star luxury hotels and restaurants in big cities, to gas stations along remote highways and mom & pop style diners in the rural Midwest,” says RCG’s Sabrina Zimring, who doubles as Survey Editor for ABR.

Recommendations come from across the nation. Last year’s winner was Buc-cee’s, an elaborate gas station complex with 83 toilets in New Braunfels, TX. Runner-ups were Liberty Market in Gilbert, AZ, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago and the Hollywood Bowl in California.

The contest is open to any non-residential restroom in the U.S. that is accessible to the general public. You can suggest your favorite public loo at www.bestrestroom.com. Entries will be judged on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.

Sabrina also is the “survey editor” for Canada’s Best Restroom.  “The real judge of a business to many travelers is the quality of their bathrooms,” says Zimring.  “And over the past 11 years we have seen some of the best.”