Ben Ali Dies at 82
Sad news for the District of Columbia: Ben Ali, the patriarch of U Street institution Ben's Chili Bowl, passed away last night at around 9:00 pm. A family member said that Ali "passed peacefully," noting that he'd had "health issues off and on." Ali had just recently returned for a cruise with his wife, Virginia—the two were approaching their 51st wedding anniversary.
"He lived a full life and put a lot into the business," said a family member. Asked whether Ben's will close at any point in observance of the passing of its founder, the family member said a decision on that matter hadn't yet been made.
1:41 pm
The passing of Ben is like loosing a elder family member to this city. To all young and old this is the gentleman who fed us, nurtured us when we were hurt and made it ok to be a Washingtonian. This city has lost much more than a great businessman and son, we have lost part of our being and our fiber. As a fourth generation Washingtonian Ben Ali to me embodied what it meant to be from this great place.
My prayers to him and his family.
3:10 pm
As a born and bred Washingtonian living in Brooklyn,NY for the last 20 years.I insist on anyone going to DC to go to Ben's. I myself everytime I come back to DC to visit go to Ben's even. before I go to my family's house. This is a sad day. HE WILL be Missed.
12:07 am
I am very sadden by this news. Being a native Washingtonian, and a frequent customer of the world famous establishment, everyone must visit this Historical Landmark of DC.
12:02 am
As a native of Calif., now living in the 'burbs of DC I go to Ben's whenever I get a chance. The history alone is worth the Metro ride.