| Ben’s Chili Bowl Founder Dies |
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| Regional Archives | |||
| By WI Staff | |||
| Thursday, October 08, 2009 | |||
 Ben Ali and wife Virginia Ali celebrate the 50tth anniversary of Ben’s Chili Bowl in July of 2008. Photo by Denise BarnesBen’s Chili Bowl was founded in 1958 on U Street, which was then known as “Black Broadway” for bringing in well-known performers, performers including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. “With the passing of Ben Ali, the owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl, the District of Columbia has lost a well-respected and iconic figure in the shaping of the historic U Street corridor. My condolences and prayers go to his family, employees and friends,” said D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray. “Through the riots of the 60’s, and neighborhood transformation, Mr. Ali, his wife and sons have kept Ben’s Chili Bowl a thriving business and community meeting place. So much so, that it caught the attention of even President Barack Obama and the nation during his inauguration.  Ben Ali and wife Virginia (center, raised hand) along with other family members at his last public appearance as Ben's was celebratung 50 years in business. Photo by Victor Holt“Mr. Ali truly will be missed by those of us who appreciated the mark he and Ben’s Chili Bowl have left on the U Street corridor and across the District of Columbia.”
“My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Ben Ali, who was a tower of strength in our community since I can remember. His pioneering spirit, fearless business acumen, and unflinching commitment to this city, especially in the face of racial unrest in the 60’s and urban flight that followed, are testaments to the wisdom of the man. “Not only was Ben Ali a true family friend and inspiration, but he’s been a family friend through four generations of Browns, my grandfather, my dad, me and now my sons. We often spent time at Ben’s not only to hang out with family and friends, but also to conduct business and to hear about the latest political intrigues. It was a kitchen table family affair at Ben’s.” “Ben will be remembered as a true survivor; one who survived the many changes on U Street, known as ‘Black Broadway’ in the old days. He survived integration, race riots, and several construction upheavals to build the new U Street Renaissance.” “We owe a debt of gratitude to Ben and Virginia Ali for their ‘stick-to-itiveness’ and for their branding DC with an unforgettable identity, home of the world’s famous half smoke and chili. Ben Ali will be missed, but his legacy lives in his three sons.”
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