CELEBRATING VIRGINIA ALI AND 65 YEARS OF BEN ’ S CHILI BOWL
In the heart of a bustling city , an iconic restaurant stands as a testament to the power of D . C .’ s community and time ’ s embrace . As we celebrate its 65th anniversary , the legendary establishment is recognized for the bonds it provided and fostered , as well as its commitment to an unyielding sense of community .
The visionary behind the business is Virginia Ali , who leaves an indelible mark on the culinary landscape and social fabric of Washington , D . C . At the core of Ben ’ s Chili Bowl is an inspirational story dating back to 1958 , when a young couple harbored the common dream to earn a living and start a family .
At 24 years old , Virginia Ali , a native of Virginia , stepped into the world of a restauranteur with her life partner , Ben Ali . In an interview with # FlyWashington , Ali noted that during a time when jazz and artistic expression were at an all-time high and the civil rights movement aimed for racial equity , she , as someone who enjoyed interacting with people all day long , “ was determined to cultivate a place for people to gather , come in and enjoy , to be treated like family .” Since its inception , Ben ’ s Chili Bowl has served as an intersection between food , culture , and activism , becoming a D . C . landmark and institution .
Virginia Ali at Ben ’ s Chili Bowl at Reagan Airport
Credit : J . David Buerk
The original location can be found on U Street , with its original counters , bars , and stools , and is full of promise , history , and charm . And perhaps most importantly , the Black-owned eatery , and now chain , continues to be guided by its rudimentary principles of service and quality and treasured , intergenerational recipes .
With a budget of $ 5,000 for renovations , The Ali couple landed in Northwest D . C . Opening the doors to operate in an area known as ‘ Black Broadway ,’ the Ali ’ s began to build their network of camaraderie and customer base , forming deep connections with other business owners , jazz musicians , and Civil Rights activists in the area including Martin Luther King Jr ., Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington . Just weeks after their restaurant ’ s opening , the couple wed .
It was a critical time . The Civil Rights Movement , was sweeping the nation and changing the socio-political fabric of the Capital and the country . In addition to being a hub for the simple enjoyment of having a meal , Ben ’ s Chili Bowl served as a community space for African Americans to gather , politically organize , and build community . Over April 4 – 8th of 1964 , as the D . C . riots took form because of MLK ’ s assassination , Ben ’ s Chili Bowl was the only establishment to remain open after curfew providing food and shelter to the community .
Ben ’ s Chili Bowl
Credit : Ted Eytan
Over the decades , Ben ’ s Chili Bowl has stood out for its philanthropic commitment and its far-reaching social influence , becoming acclaimed on both a national and international level . Its growth has been marked by the addition of new locations , including one at Nationals Park and Reagan National Airport , and its essence is encapsulated by community leader , Virginia Ali , who says , “ We had the kind of business that welcomed people , from all walks of life ... Over the last 65 years , I have learned [ that ] people treat you the way you treat them , and I have been treated well my whole 65 years in business .” At the crux , when individuals gather from all corners of the earth to gather over a meal at The Bowl , they become patrons of an institution founded upon the virtues of tradition , quality , family , and care .
Ben ’ s Chili Bowl 65th Anniversary Party
Credit : Washington Commanders
AUTUMN 2023 41 FLYWASHINGTON . COM