The black family business: Ben’s Chili Bowl

Back in 1958, August 22nd to be exact, the sweet melody and sound on the Saturn II juke box could have well been “I want to stop, and thank you baby,” as Ben and Virginia Ali opened the nations now famous Ben’s Chili Bowl.

More than just chili and cheese, Ben’s Chili Bowl served a very prominent and classy close net community.  Located in Washington, D.C. on U Street in the Northwest quadrant of the city, Ben’s Chili Bowl is surrounded by some of the most iconic theaters such as, the Lincoln Theater and Howard Theater, as well as The Republic and Booker T.  During the late 1920’s, U Street was known as the “Black Broadway,” because of the very progressive entertainment and dinning at sophisticated restaurants.

Blacks in business during the 1950’s were faced with challenges due to the racial inequality and lack of cultural understanding.  The overhead cost of operating a business comes with investing not only money, but more time, sacrifice, and dedication.  For the first twenty years, through all the social and economic changes happening, Mrs. Ali was working longer hours since she only had one other employee at the time.  Mrs. Ali says “it was very hard on me because there were no streets, no subways, and the property tax had increased.”

Although some businesses did not welcome people of color, other than to make a purchase, Ben’s Chili Bowl welcomed everyone from its opening day in 1958 until today. It is still the most diverse thriving business in the city racially, culturally, and economically.  In the 1960’s, some areas in the district were ravished by riots and engulfed in flames from the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As a result, many businesses had curfews, however Ben’s Chili Bowl remained open and was the meeting place for city officials to develop a plan to end the riots and violence occurring in the district.

Because of its location, and one-of-a-kind chili half smoked, you would often find influential African Americans such as, Bill Cosby frequent Ben’s Chili Bowl.  Ben’s Chili Bowl is where Mr. Cosby would meet his love Camille when they were dating.

Family has always been at the forefront of Ben’s business plan, which contributes to its thriving business. Almost fifty-seven years later, Ben’s business hasn’t slowed down yet. Mrs. Ali says, “having two of my three daughter-in-laws running the business with me makes it very special.”

Source: Virginia Ali