Celebrating 65 Years of Resilience, Authenticity, Commitment, and Excellence: Ben’s Chili Bowl’s Legacy

Ben’s Chili Bowl Celebrates 65 Years of Resilience, Authenticity, Commitment, and Excellence

Washington D.C. landmark, Ben’s Chili Bowl, celebrated its 65th anniversary with a bang, showcasing the spirit and journey that has made it a beloved institution in the city. Owner Virginia Ali, along with her son Nizam Ali and long-time customer and Washington Legend Doug Williams, reflected on the restaurant’s impact on the community and its unwavering commitment to excellence.

Using the acronym R.A.C.E., Ali described how Ben’s Chili Bowl has embodied resilience, authenticity, commitment, and excellence throughout its 65 years in business. Despite facing challenges such as civil unrest, economic downturns, and a pandemic, Ben’s Chili Bowl has remained a constant in the community, serving up delicious food and unapologetically embracing its Black heritage.

Williams, who first heard about Ben’s Chili Bowl shortly after moving to the DMV area in 1986, emphasized the restaurant’s focus on community and its reputation as a must-visit spot in D.C. He praised Ben’s Chili Bowl for its dedication to serving the people of the city and creating a welcoming space for all.

The community’s outpouring of support for Ben’s Chili Bowl on its 65th birthday was evident, with the Commanders presenting the Ali family with a special gift—a signed Doug Williams jersey and a custom-made helmet by artist Cierra Lynn. The helmet featured design elements inspired by Ben’s menu items, Go-go music, the Commanders logo, and the D.C. flag, highlighting the restaurant’s cultural significance in the city.

As Ben’s Chili Bowl continues to set the standard for excellence in the DMV area, Ali and her team remain committed to upholding the values of resilience, authenticity, commitment, and excellence that have defined the restaurant for the past 65 years. With the support of the community and loyal customers, Ben’s Chili Bowl looks forward to many more years of serving up delicious food and celebrating the rich history of Washington D.C.