65 Years and counting
Our Legacy
Virginia Ali is 90 years old, and she started the restaurant with her husband Ben when she was only 24. Every August 22nd, Ben’s Chili Bowl celebrates our founding. But it’s not just a birthday, it’s a celebration of DC’s African American history, culture, and character. It’s a celebration of our city and U Street’s resilience.
DC’s residents have a long history of bouncing back from hard times. Our Black community is front and center in this story, and Ben’s is a perfect case study – a study in our quest for freedom and its ongoing re-definition. Ben's Chili Bowl is proudly Black-owned and a historic landmark in Washington, DC's culture.
Ben’s Chili Bowl Through the Years
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July 14, 2023 - Ben's Chili Bowl officially launches at Giant grocery stores
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December 17, 2022 - Virginia Ali celebrates her 89th birthday with family and friends
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Aug 22, 2022 - Ben's Celebrates 64 Years in Business
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Jun 13, 2022 - "The Real DC: Go-Go and Ben's"
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May 3, 2021 - Google Small Business Commercial
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August 22, 2018 - Ben’s celebrates our 60th Anniversary
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June 21, 2017 - New mural unveiled on Ben Ali Way
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July 8, 2015 - H Street location opens
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July 23, 2014 - DCA location opens
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October 1, 2011 - FedEx Field location opens
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April 1, 2011 - Ben's Chili Bowl Foundation established
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October 7, 2009 - Ben Ali passes away
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January 10, 2009 - Barack Obama visits The Bowl
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December 26, 2008 - Ben's Next Door opens
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February 18, 2018 - Nationals Park location opens
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June 20, 2004 - Ben's receives a James Beard Award
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January 19, 1999 - The alley next to The Bowl is renamed “Ben Ali Way”
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August 22, 1998 - Ben's celebrates its 40th Anniversary
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August 1, 1989 - Metro’s Green Line construction in front of The Bowl
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April 4-8, 1968 - Ben's stays open during the DC Riots
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August 28, 1963 - Ben’s donates food to the March on Washington
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May 30, 1960 - Ben's Donates Food to the Poor People's Campaign
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August 22, 1958 - Ben’s Chili Bowl opens for business on U Street