Citibank Cuts Ribbon In Vienna After Conversion Of Former Restaurant Space

VIENNA, VA — In the latest of former restaurant spaces converted to banks, Citibank is open in Vienna.

Citibank held a ribbon cutting with local officials Tuesday morning at 201 Maple Avenue East, which is the shopping center with the new Call Your Mother Deli, South Block and other businesses. The bank is located in the former Noodles & Company space.

Ed Patterson, Citibank's region head for the central southeast region (DMV, Florida and Illinois), told Patch that the DC region is one of Citibank's six core markets. He said the new Vienna location helps address gaps in coverage.

"We are constantly looking for opportunities to optimize our network and as opportunities become available we attempt to take them or capitalize on them," said Patterson. "Vienna just happened to be one that fell into our overall strategy."

The 2,304-square-foot bank The space features an open floor concept and flexible seating, as well as technology to provide financial video games for children and mortgage and debt consolidation calculators for adults. A wall at the main bank desk has art depicting the street grid of Vienna, which Citi's head of U.S. branch network Mindy Mercaldo said is "our way of connecting to the Vienna community."

The bank wants the space to host community events and educational outreach in addition to its regular banking services.

"We want to change how we utilize our branch space, and we are encouraging the partners within the communities that we have, which our local team is building those partnerships, to utilize our space," said Patterson. "You can come, we will help facilitate financial seminars, partner with local community organizations, you want to have a meeting here."

Officials touted the benefits of financial education being offered in the space.

Del. Holly Seibold, who represents the town in the Virginia House of Delegates, said in remarks that the bank can serve young families who want to get their first mortgage.

"This is such a wonderful addition," said Del. Holly Seibold, who represents the town in the Virginia House of Delegates. "It's important that we continue economic growth in Virginia and specifically here in our community. This allows more access to the many folks in our community."

Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert reiterated the town's intent to be business friendly and can help businesses with their needs, from economic development to planning and zoning. The mayor noted that the bank is planning to add a future mural on the side of the building, which she said residents will appreciate.

"I love when businesses open in town. I love when banks open. It's a great service for our community," said Colbert in remarks.

While restaurants are abundant in Vienna's commercial corridor, several spaces have become banks in recent years. Along with Citibank in the former Noodles & Company space, conversions include Burke & Herbert Bank drive-thru location in the former Peet's Coffee space and Chase Bank in the former Outback Steakhouse building. However, Vienna gained a restaurant when the former SunTrust Bank location was turned into the short-lived Yellow Diner, now Carnegie Diner.

Patterson didn't comment on the restaurant-to-bank trend but noted that Citibank's real estate team is always scoping locations that meet its criteria.

"Banking in general is beneficial to the community because regardless of where the client is in their financial journey, we're here to help facilitate them to where they want to be," said Patterson.

Citibank has 32 branches in the DC metropolitan area. The bank recently opened a location in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington County and plans to open in the Anacostia and Georgetown neighborhoods of D.C. and Bethesda, Maryland.