10/08/09 Very sad to hear of the passing of Ben Ali, founder of the DC landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street.

DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the founder and namesake of Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of the greatest treasures in the District of Columbia.  Ben Ali was a man who invested his life in a small business that weathered many storms and became the soul of a neighborhood and the pride of our city.  Though we mourn the loss of Mr. Ali, we are grateful that his legacy will live on in our hearts. On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, I want to thank the Ali family for sharing Ben with us.”

DC Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray: “With the passing of Ben Ali, the owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl, the District of Columbia has lost a well-respected and iconic figure in the shaping of the historic U Street corridor.  My condolences and prayers go to his family, employees and friends.  Through the riots of the 60’s, and neighborhood transformation, Mr. Ali, his wife and sons have kept Ben’s Chili Bowl a thriving business and community meeting place.  So much so, that it caught the attention of even President Barack Obama and the nation during his inauguration.  Many D.C. residents have enjoyed a chili dog at the U Street establishment and been greeted by the warm reception of the people behind the counter, which emanated from Ben Ali’s spirit and the way he and his family ran the business.  In fact, I am a regular patron.

Mr. Ali truly will be missed by those of us who appreciated the mark he and Ben’s Chili Bowl have left on the U Street corridor and across the District of Columbia.”