The warm summer winds have moved in on Wheeling and with them come Heritage Port concerts, food festivals, and major Wellness Weekends! The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one for the record books—but the most exciting change to our downtown isn’t the landscape—it’s the introduction of PODA.
In 2025, the City of Wheeling adopted a new ordinance establishing Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODA), which allow visitors to purchase to-go beverages in special labeled PODA cups from participating businesses.
To help the public easily navigate which businesses are on board:
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A blue decal in the window means the business sells and allows PODA drinks.
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A green decal means PODA drinks are allowed but not sold there.
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A red decal means no PODA drinks are allowed on premises.
PODA operates until 11 p.m. daily, beginning at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, giving visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the downtown experience with a refreshing beverage in hand.
Boosting Business and Building Energy Downtown
The City and local business leaders see PODA as a way to revitalize downtown, promote small businesses, and create an engaging atmosphere that keeps people walking and exploring.
Brooke Price, Centre Market Manager, shared her optimism about what PODA means for the area:
“Allowing people to get a beverage to take with them as they walk and explore what downtown Wheeling and Centre Market have to offer creates a unique experience and will hopefully provide a boost for our local small businesses,” said Price.
Councilman Ty Thorngate is set to lead an inaugural PODA Walk on May 16 at 4 p.m., aimed at highlighting the new initiative and encouraging community participation! They are set to meet at The Bridge Tavern and head down to River City!
“These businesses have had to fight day in and day out, and they need support and whatever tools the city can provide to help them not just survive, but flourish,” Thorngate said. “PODA is about getting people walking downtown again—promoting foot traffic, creating energy, and giving people a reason to visit multiple businesses in a single trip.”
It’s important to note: PODA is not a blanket open container law.
“You can’t just walk around at all hours of the day with an open alcoholic beverage or a 6-pack from the gas station,” Price clarified. “This is about enjoying a responsibly served beverage from one of our local small businesses while exploring the area.”
Sipping into Summer: Music, Patios, and PODA Cups
As downtown Wheeling’s summer events ramp up, PODA makes it easier than ever to enjoy the local scene. Whether you’re visiting for a concert, market day, or just an afternoon stroll, the convenience of PODA cups offers a new layer of enjoyment.
The Bridge Tavern and River City are the first two establishments licensed for PODA—and both are leaning into the momentum.
“[PODA] adds another welcoming incentive to visit downtown Wheeling,” said Doug Carl, co-owner of The Bridge Tavern. “The more people walking through downtown gives businesses a greater opportunity to attract customers. A PODA cup and my favorite cocktail! Summertime in downtown Wheeling never tasted so good!”
“Not only can you dine outside on our new patio, but we can serve you a drink in a PODA cup to go and enjoy the city and other great restaurants,” said Jason Miller, co-owner of River City. “We are excited for another great addition to downtown Wheeling!” (His go-to PODA drink? A Captain Morgan and Diet Pepsi.)
And there’s more to come. Centre Market will host live music every Saturday from Memorial Day through the end of September. Pair that with a PODA beverage and lunch from a local business, and you’ve got the perfect summer Saturday.
Also on the horizon: The Bridge Tavern’s brand-new outdoor dining area, located on 10th Street, will offer an incredible view of the Suspension Bridge and a front-row seat to the vibrant downtown scene.
