Table 304 Wins Its Second ‘Show of Hands’

WHEELING - Table 304 owner Libbi Gramby hopes to perk up business even more with the purchase of a new coffee-making system.

Gramby, her daughter Devon Snider, and Table 304 took home the top prize money at the "Show of Hands" business presentation contest Wednesday night at the Wheeling Artisan Center. The event was sponsored by Wheeling Heritage.

The business won $5,378, which Gramby plans to put toward the purchase new professional-grade espresso machine and other improvements to the business's coffee equipment.

She anticipates the system will cost about $13,000 and take about six months to arrive.

Table 304 previously won a "Show of Hands" competition, awarding them the money to buy a professional cheese grater needed to prepare the well-known cheese dips available at the shop.

"We were nervous about entering again, but we needed the machine," Gramby explained. "We thought we would give it a try and see what happens."

She said the business this year has gained momentum following the completion of Wheeling's streetscape project.

"We're getting busier and we're definitely growing," Gramby continued. "I would just say thank you so much, because this is definitely a game-changer for our business. (The public) doing this for us is so wonderful, and we are so grateful."

Table 304's current coffee machine was purchased as a refurbished unit five years ago. The new unit is expected to last 10-15 years.

Those attending "Show of Hands" pay $5 to receive dinner and a ballot upon which they vote for the presentation they believe most worth funding.

The winner takes home the money paid at the door, in addition to dollars provided by sponsors. The main sponsor of the event is Orrick.

Other businesses and their owners presenting at Thursday's "Show of Hands" were as follows:

- 11 Build: 11 Build is a construction management consulting firm focused on building rehabilitation and workforce development in Wheeling, according to owner Eric Heinowitz. Its featured project is the rehabilitation of 128 15th St., known as Buddy's Bar, a historic East Wheeling building that has served the neighborhood since 1877. Funding would support remaining buildout costs and help move the project toward completion.

Heinowitz told those attending Thursday night his plan was to purchase a commercial kitchen ventilation system for the building.

- Oma's Noodles & Tea: Owner Parker Mirich explained Oma's Noodles & Tea is a Korean-inspired community concept centered on food, storytelling and play. The proposed business would create a space where people can gather, experience Korean-inspired food and tea, and build connections through shared experiences. Funding would have supported completing a Korean tea lounge by purchasing restaurant equipment and materials.

- PristineCrete: Owned by Robert Wiley, PristineCrete is a locally owned concrete business providing services for projects including sidewalks, steps, basements and driveways.

The business focuses on providing concrete work to residential and local customers and plans to expand its capabilities as it grows. Funding would have supported the purchase of equipment and resources needed to grow the business and broaden its services.

The next "Show of Hands" competition is scheduled for January 27, 2027.