Doral Bank Opens Second Branch In Queens

In preparing to open their second branch in Queens, Doral Bank sought an up-and-coming location. So, the four-year-old bank chose Rego Park, a multi-lingual enclave that fits in nicely with their growth targets. The Rego Park branch celebrated its grand opening Wednesday, June 18, and already has $2 million in deposits, even before the start of any promotions.
Queens County Democratic Chairman Thomas Manton and Councilmember Melinda Katz attended the bank opening celebration, which served cocktails and appetizers and gave out souvenirs to the crowd.
"We are very pleased with how things have begun," said Tom Livanis, the branch manager, with over 20 years banking experience in Queens. "Because of the atmosphere of the bank and the quality service we bring to our customers, we are perceived as a small bank that is new and fresh. By approaching small businesses and catering to their real needs, we offer something that other banks can not."
Most of the revenue generated thus far has been from small businesses, which is Dorals primary target. But while businesses might generate the most revenue, the bank wants each individual customer to feel at home as well.
"Our motto is service," said Richard Bonini, senior executive, vice-president, chief financial officer and secretary of Doral Financial Corporation. "Our success lies in our ability to understand the communities we serve and provide exceptional service combined with a full line of banking products and competitive rates. We think this will be a super branch."
Doral Bank is unique in that its branches are open seven days a week with extended hours on Monday and Friday. The bank offers a full range of banking products including free checking, free 24-hour telephone banking and free 24-hour Internet banking. For customers looking to open an account on Sunday, Doral Bank will automatically deposit $15 into the account.
On the day of their grand opening, Doral announced a one-year CD that will yield 2.25%, a high figure, especially considering the suffering economy. Finally, to meet the growing needs of all diverse communities they serve, all Doral branches are staffed with bilingual personnel. In Rego Park, staff members speak Russian and Spanish.
Doral Bank now has four branches in the city, including one in Astoria. They plan to expand throughout the boroughs, opening 10 branches in the next two years.
"Queens has really been good to us," said Lucienne Gigante, director of public relations of Doral Bank. "So far, both of our Queens branches have completely exceeded our expectations. We are very pleased."
The Doral Bank in Rego Park is located at 97-77 Queens Boulevard. For information, call (718) 459-7200.