Brew News: Ben Ali Dies

Sad news for DC residents and transplants! Ben Ali, co-founder of Ben's Chili Bowl has died. He was 82.

Ben's became known for its chili, half-smokes, cheese fries and shakes. The spot is just as booming now as it was when it opened in 1958. Ben's was the only U Street business to have survived the looting associated with the 1968 riots.

Ali and his wife Virginia handed over control of the Washington, DC institution to their two sons years ago.

The Ben's Chili Bowl web site posted this today:

June 13, 1927-October 7,2009

The Ali Family and all of the Ben's Chili Bowl and Ben's Next Door Family

want to thank Ben Ali for leading this legacy

and allowing us to follow in his dream

We miss you and love you.

Ditto!