Largest Cafe in U.S. – ING Direct Waikiki Cafe

Arkadi Kuhlmann has been called a “rebel with a cause” with his unconventional approach to banking — offering customers saving accounts with high-interest rates and no minimums. His philosophy has always been that saving money and investing should be as simple as having a cup of coffee.

His company, the online bank ING DIRECT, has opened its first Waikiki Cafe on Kalakaua Avenue. It expects an average of between 500 to 600 people to walk in daily, even though all of ING DIRECT’s banking takes place either online, over the phone or by mail. It has a base of about 25,000 customers in Hawaii.

The 9,500-square-foot space will provide ING Direct, an online bank with no branches, with a place where associates can discuss financial products with clients. It also features a conference room where the company can hold financial seminars.

Younger customers seem to like the convenience of online banking, and seniors appreciate the high interest rates.

Aside from a full-service cafe that serves espresso drinks, there are pastries as well. And ING DIRECT also offers a meeting space for nonprofit and community groups.

If you’re in Waikiki check it out, its a great place to relax, and enjoy Waikiki. The Honolulu cafe, is the largest in the U.S.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Dec 16, 2008