Sarah’s Takes the Cake

The latest Show of Hands winner is breathing new life into her historic building with a modern yet nostalgic approach to cafe cuisine. Sarah Lydick, the owner of Sarah’s on Main, took home a check totaling $5,865 for her business.

Sarah plans to create an outdoor dining area at her soon-to-be-open storefront, located at 2122 Main Street. The outdoor dining area will prove useful as she continues to revitalize the building formerly known as the Lebanon Bakery.

The $5,865 check is the largest in Show of Hands history, which is due to increased corporate support as well as a large turnout at the event. A total of 435 people paid $5 at the door to cast a ballot, and all of that money was added to the check total.

Competition included proposals from three additional up-and-coming businesses:

• Mugshots: The former Keg and Kraut, located in East Wheeling, will soon be home to Mugshots, a gourmet coffee shop and eatery. Owner Grant Coleman has purchased the majority of equipment for the restaurant, but is hoping to refurbish more of the building, as well as work with local artisans to create a coffee bar with Show of Hands funding.
• Stradwick’s Fade Cave: Barber Chad Stradwick is hoping to create the “ultimate grooming experience” for men with his Fade Cave, to be located at 1902 Market Street. Show of Hands funding would provide him with build-out costs to create an old-school barbershop with a man-cave feel.
• Wheeling Threads: Using historic traditions and giving them a modern, light-hearted twist, owner Daniel Finsley is creating shirt designs to create pride in Wheeling. The company is also creating shirt designs as fundraisers for various nonprofits and causes in the Wheeling area. Daniel is looking to build his inventory, find a downtown storefront, and purchase an on-site payment system.

Although Sarah’s on Main received the popular vote, all four businesses were given the opportunity to advertise and network while participating in the event.

The latest Show of Hands marks the 14 successful event. So far, more than $42,000 has been given to winning community projects.

Show of Hands would not be possible without its generous sponsors. Orrick is the event’s corporate sponsor. The Friends of Show of Hands include Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru, Joseph Orthodontics, Touchstone Research Laboratory, H Lawrence Jones, Ed. D., Kennen & Kennen Realtors, Warwood Armature, Fuzz & Barb LaRue and an anonymous donor.

The next Show of Hands is Sept. 26. Learn more.