Ben Ali, Founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, 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.
(cross posted from City Desk)
12:47 pm
R.I.P. Good Sir.
6:23 pm
Everyone, please show respects by stopping by for a half-smoke (or veggie chili, if you're of that persuasion)
4:49 pm
Ali may be gone, but the chili lives on!