http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-loo16mar16.storyTHE STATE
One Lavish Lavatory
West Covina gas station offers regular fuel but a supreme restroom worthy of a glitzy Vegas hotel. Patrons rave after a view of the loo.
By Bob Pool
Times Staff Writer
March 16, 2005
The king of the luxury loo rules his regal realm with a benevolent hand.
<snip>A chandelier sparkles overhead from a recessed ceiling. Sculptured art and a floral arrangement adorn faux tumbled rosa marble walls. Ornate silver columns rise from the Italianate slate floor to support a wide granite counter and reach to a soffit that hides a pair of recessed spotlights. Gold-plated fixtures are attached to a graceful oval sink.
Amid the opulence, one barely notices the standard-issue toilet in the corner.
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Their creation is definitely a step above your average gas station restroom — some might say a little over the top. The walls are drenched in rich earth tones and blue stone tiles, giving the room a vaguely Tuscan — or maybe Vegas — feel. Although a few other gas stations have tried to class up their lavatories, Harryman and others said such creations were still highly unusual.
Over the last dozen years, Moghadan said, he has averaged 20 compliments a day about his facilities. "I have customers from Palm Springs and Las Vegas who make a point of stopping here. Some even bring in relatives to show them the bathroom," he said.
Moghadan said such customer appreciation helped limit restroom vandalism and careless use — the bane of most gas station operators. His employees take special pains to keep the place spotless and fully stocked with toilet paper. Even though the restroom is inside the mini-mart, it remains locked, and employees give the key only to paying customers.
Despite his busy location, Moghadan has only had to replace an 8-foot mirror twice.
And he is convinced that his plush powder room has helped pump up profits.
A fancy toilette, he says, is good for the bottom line.