In spite of its overpriced location outside of Rittenhouse Square, on the corner of 17th & Walnut, you can always get a good cup of coffee at a good price at ING Cafe. Their understanding of the value of a dollar should be no surprise since they are, technically, a bank. Always bright and cheery (its tough not to be when everything is neon orange), their entire menu ranges from $1-$3 including coffees, teas and baked goods. When I popped in on my way home, there were dozens of people sitting and enjoying the free wi-fi, the five large flat-screened TVs above the bar and the computer banking stations in the back. Situated in the middle of a busy community, their mission includes educating kids about money, as evidenced by the activities available for families. I have to admit I am a fan since their generous support of education also includes grants that have funded my students to travel to see some pretty amazing art. On this afternoon, I settled into a cushy, coffee-house style arm chair and watched the city whiz by out the window. At a time when we are all too busy to stop multitasking long enough to focus on just one thing, how does a business get our attention long enough to engage us? They evolve into a contemporary version of a traditional service by providing a gathering spot in the middle of the hustle and bustle that does not disrupt our flow to enter into. Here, they provide a service that includes a cup of coffee while watching the game, sending work emails, banking and educating our kids, all on the walk home.
