photo by: Eric Ayres

New decals and a new official logo have been designed for establishments located within the city of Wheeling’s new Private Outdoor Designated Area or PODA district, which is expected to begin operations next month.

WHEELING – Officials in the city of Wheeling are stirring the idea of possibly expanding its Private Outdoor Designated Area or PODA district into other neighborhoods in town.

The current PODA district in Wheeling, which launched about a year ago in May of 2025, includes part of the city’s downtown area and a chunk of Centre Wheeling in the blocks surrounding Centre Market. During PODA operating hours, patrons at participating licensed establishments can purchase an alcoholic beverage in a designated plastic PODA cup and carry their drink to go while walking to other participating businesses within the district.

Patrons and participating establishments alike have agreed that the PODA district has been well received, lending to a more vibrant walkable connection between local restaurants and night clubs in town. After a year with the PODA in place in the city and with a new outdoor dining season unfolding, Wheeling officials have been exploring the possibility of widening the strict parameters of the district to allow other establishments to participate.

Last month, members of city council noted that businesses located outside of the current borders of the PODA district had been inquiring about the potential of being included.

“We’ve got a location on the Island right across from the Suspension Bridge that would like to get in on that,” said Councilman Ben Seidler, noting that the owners of Champs Cafe on Wheeling Island were interested in the possibility of joining as a licensed PODA establishment.

Presently, the district extends from 10th Street south along the Ohio River to the area of Wheeling Creek, and then further south into Center Wheeling around the Centre Market district between Main and Market streets to 23rd Street. In the downtown area, the PODA district’s east-west borders extend from the river to Market Street between 10th Street and Wheeling Creek, and further east to Chapline Street between Lane 7 and 15th Place.

A map of the PODA district as well as a wealth of other information is available online on the city of Wheeling’s official website.

Since the PODA district was established, some new businesses have opened – or are set to open – just outside the confines of the district lines. Some locations have changed hands.

Another significant development that has occurred since the PODA district lines were drawn was the official announcement by the state of West Virginia that the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge will not reopen to vehicular traffic again. Moving forward, a new future for the 177-year-old, recently renovated landmark can be planned with its use as a strictly pedestrian bridge.

This could open the possibility of connecting the downtown and Wheeling Island through a PODA district expansion.

A potential expansion could also include Historic North Wheeling. Councilman Ty Thorngate, who championed the establishment of the PODA district, said other business owners have been inquiring.

“No one has really applied to do it,” Thorngate said of potentially expanding the borders of the district. “People taking over Uncle Pete’s were interested, but not ready yet.”

Thorngate said the location in North Wheeling that formerly housed Uncle Pete’s and more recently Carlito’s soul food kitchen had new owners that have not relocated to the site yet, but have expressed interest in the PODA.

Because of the increased interest, council members have been exploring the necessary process to expand the district.

“Ultimately, city council would have to approve the district expansion,” City Manager Robert Herron said. “I don’t know what the state involvement would be on that, but we certainly can check.”

Establishments in Wheeling that are currently licensed PODA sites that are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to go in a designated cup include the Bridge Tavern & Grill, River City Ale Works, Brew Keepers, the Capitol Theatre, WesBanco Arena, Market Vines, Vue 42, Later Alligator and Vagabond Kitchen. These “sold here” establishments have a blue PODA sticker displayed at their locations.

A number of other businesses that are located within the district have expressed interest in joining as a licensed PODA establishment, but so far, the city has not received paperwork on any new participants in the past few months. City officials indicated that several business owners had communicated their desire to participate but were waiting until July since the West Virginia liquor license fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

Another type of participating business within the district are establishments that do not sell alcoholic beverages but do allow people walking with a beverage in their PODA cup to enter their establishment. There are several businesses that have applied to participate and carry the green “PODA Beverage Welcome Here” decal.

PODA “Welcome Here” establishments have included: Outdated Threads, Puddleducks, Wildflower Coop & Garden, Ash & Tin, REStyle, Moonlight Intimate Apparel, VC Wares, Wheeling Noods Ramen Bar, Wheeling Barber Co., Cardinal Inc./Wheeling Stamp, Drizzys, Grandpa Joe’s, Under the Elder Tree, Attic Picker, the Centre Market House, Almost Heaven Candle Co. and Public Market. Establishments added to this list of participating businesses more recently included: Shuggys Antiques, Metzvapes, Casa di Vino, Prodigal Daughter (inside Artisan Center), Vocelli Pizza and Two Times Clothing & Collectibles.

There are presently three establishments that have applied for red “PODA Beverages Not Permitted” decals – NB Cafe, Antiques on the Market and Paradox Bookstore. Officials indicated that other businesses within the district that have no decal displayed should be considered a “Not Permitted” establishment unless or until they are designated otherwise.

Permit applications and information about obtaining designated decals are available on the city website. Decals are also available by contacting City Clerk Jessica Holloway at 304-234-6301 or via email at jessica.holloway@wheelingwv.gov.