Ben’s Chili Bowl, located on U Street in D.C., will close on Monday, July 14 for repairs and upgrades, according to a press release by the restaurant.
The closure will be the first major repair to the historic building in over six decades. Don’t worry, Ben’s Chili Bowl won’t be closed for long! The iconic restaurant will open again for a “Grand Reopening” four months later in November.
Virginia “Mom” Ali opened the restaurant when she was 24 years old with her husband Ben Ali in 1958, and since then, it’s been a staple in the D.C. community. Public figures such as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and politicians such as former President Barack Obama were some of the customers the restaurant has served over the years.
“Ben’s has always been about more than just food. It’s also about family, community, and history,” said Virginia Ali in a press release. “We’ve welcomed generations of guests through our doors, and now we’re taking this time to care for the space that has meant so much to so many. It’s time to give it some love, so it can serve another generation.”
Where you can get a half-smoke in the meantime
While the restaurant is closed, there will be a temporary pop-up nearby on 1208 U Street starting on July 17. All Giant Food stores will serve chili con carne and turkey chili in their hot bars and refrigerated sections, along with Ben Chili Bowl’s half-smokes (original and spicy) and famous chili sauce. Still looking for that classic sit-down experience? Visitors can eat at the other Ben’s Chili Bowl on 1001 H St NE in D.C., which opened in 2015.
Before the building closes, visitors can stop by starting July 7 through July 14 to take a picture with Victoria Ali and share their favorite Ben’s Chili Bowl memory — whether that’s stopping by after a concert, coming with family for a family tradition passed down through generations or just craving a half-smoke while in the neighborhood.
The restaurant encourages visitors to post on social media and selected images and stories will be featured on their social media pages.
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back later this year with the same spirit, same flavors, same history, and a refreshed space that honors our roots to welcome you all home,” the press release said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
