Ben's Chili Bowl is a well-known restaurant in Washington, D.C.. Founded in 1858 by Ben and Virginia Ali, the causal American is considered a Washington landmark, entering the D.C. Hall of Fame and being named one of the best "locally owned and operated regional restaurants that have withstood the test of time and are beloved in their communities."http://www.benschilibowl.com/ordereze/Content/2/Summary.aspx
On October 7, 2009, co-founder Ben Ali died at his home from natural causes at the age of 82.http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/10/founder_of_bens_chili_bowl_a_d.html
Barack Obama at Ben's Chili Bowl
References
Fast Facts
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Founded
1958
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Address
1213 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.
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Founders
Ben and Virginia Ali
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Fact:
Casual American fare
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Notable for their chili dogs and chili smokes
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Provided food and shelter during the 1968 riots in Washington, D.C.
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Visited by numerous celebrities including Barack Obama, Bill Cosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Martin Luther King Jr.
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Founder Ben Ali died on October 7, 2009 from natural causes
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Inducted into the D.C. Hall of Fame
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Founders retired, leaving their sons to run the restaurant
