Ben's Chili Bowl

We're so excited to support the American Experience Foundation with a silent auction donation! Bid on the "Only 1 U Street" package, which includes: ★ Ben's Chili Bowl meal for four with historian Bernard Demczuk, author of Breaking Barriers with Chili, plus a copy of the book ★ Black Broadway Tour book by DC historian Briana A. Thomas ★ Custom painted shoes by artist "Dez" David Zamabrano - you pick the size and design ★ The LINE Hotel DC, 2-night stay Proceeds help support AEF's mission to enrich the lives of students through inspirational travel experiences and educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry leaders.

So great to have Al Roker and the Today Show stop by and share a half smoke and chili sauce with the family! As Virginia Ali shares, "Food always brings people together." https://lnkd.in/dvuUUebR

Grateful for over 65 years as a small business serving our community and welcoming visitors from across the globe. Thank you, Administrator Guzman, for visiting and sharing our story! #SmallBusinessWeek

Great food for a good cause! Ben's Chili Bowl has long championed women entrepreneurs, so we're extra excited to share that $2 from the sale of each of our new pizza kit collabs with Pizzeria Paradiso will be donated to RegardingHER DC, a nonprofit that is accelerating the growth of women in the food and beverage space. Crafted by Ben's Chili Bowl's Sonya Ali and Pizzeria Paradiso Owner/Chef Ruth Gresser, this limited-edition offering from HalfSmokes.com is one you won't want to miss: https://lnkd.in/gNhzWQVM

Save the date! Join the Washington Area Women's Foundation on Thursday, March 28 for #AskHer: “Our Power. Our Legacy.” During this conversation, Sonya Ali and fellow panelists will uncover women business owners' unique challenges and celebrate their impact on our communities. For over 65 years, Ben's Chili Bowl has been a leader in promoting women entrepreneurs. Don't miss this opportunity to join the conversation! Register now at: https://lnkd.in/ePvPhnY6 #AskHerSeries #Women #BlackWomen #WomenofColor #WOC #POC #Entrepreneur #WomenEntrepreneurs #Community

So excited to share the official launch of Breaking Barriers With Chili: Virginia Ali, "The Matriarch of DC." This book tells the remarkable story of Mrs. Ali, whose moral and ethical values, respecting everyone, and perseverance led to the iconic Ben's Chili Bowl being admired worldwide today. At ninety years young, she still comes to work every day, wearing her pearls, and is the most photographed woman in DC Every copy purchased from HalfSmokes.com features a bookplate personally signed by Virginia Ali and the author, Bernard Demczuk, Ph.D. https://lnkd.in/g2HbzaSJ

“If I’m at home now at my age and I don’t feel up to par, all I have to do is take a shower, put on something and come in this door,” Virginia Ali tells The Washington Post in a brand new profile. “I’m energized by the people." Thank you, Tim Carman, for this beautiful portrait of an amazing woman: https://lnkd.in/gTQXweus

Black History Month has deep reverberations in DC, a city steeped in the modern struggle for Civil Rights. Join us on February 29 at Ben's Chili Bowl as we sit down with two prominent local historians, Bernard Demczuk and Sharita Jacobs-Thompson, to discuss how the Civil Rights Movement impacts the past, present, and future of the District.

Time for a little Throwback Thursday fun! Yes, the mural on Ben Ali Way is a local landmark, and who can resist a pic with our panda? But for those in the know, there's a semi-hidden gem just to the right of our window. "Our chili will make your hot dog bark" has been a part of Ben's since the day we opened...and it’s true!

Today's the day! On January 15, the Washington Wizards host the Detroit Pistons in D.C. for an afternoon game on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As part of the DMV Bobblehead Series, the fans will receive a one-of-a-kind bobblehead of Virginia Ali, Co-Founder of Ben's Chili Bowl and someone who had a personal relationship with Dr. King. See you at the game! #NBA #MLK #DC