A man speaking at a podium with a microphone outside Benny's ice cream shop, pointing towards a mural of smiling people painted on the building's brick wall.

MEDIA

Featured on The TODAY Show: Al Roker talks to the family behind the legendary restaurant built on family, history and, of course, chili.

THE BEN’S EXPERIENCE 

From a small neighborhood spot to a D.C. landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl's story has captivated audiences worldwide.

Explore our latest media features, press coverage, and the moments that keep our legacy alive.

Ben’s Chili Bowl began as a dream of Ben and Virginia Ali. With their $5,000 life savings, the young couple first opened the doors of their now-iconic restaurant on August 22, 1958.

For over six decades, Ben’s has been a staple in Washington, DC, serving locals, celebrities, presidents, and tourists from around the world.

Ben’s is recognized worldwide as a business that represents not only a  community, but a city, and a Culture.

Tourists from all over the world make a visit to Ben’s their first stop when coming to Washington, D.C. Ben’s has won numerous awards and accolades, including:

  • Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame Laureate - 2001

  • Washington Business Hall of Fame Laureate - 2021

  • President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden

  • America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation

  • The Key to the City

  • Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award

  • America’s “Best Vegan Chili” by PETA

  • Top 10 U.S. spots for Chili - Bon Appetit magazine 

  • Best Chili in America - Golden Spatula Award, The Steve Harvey Show

Celebrities like Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Bruno Mars, Chance the Rapper, Kevin Hart, Bono, Nick Cannon, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Taraji P. Henson, Tyrese, Tommy Davidson, George Lopez, Usher, Cheryl Underwood, Chris Tucker, Serena Williams, Questlove, DJ Khaled, Chris Rock, Wale, George Clinton, and countless others enjoy dining at Ben’s when they visit DC. Former President Barack Obama, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, members of the U.S. Congress, and numerous other notable political figures have also stopped by to sample Ben’s world-famous cuisine.

Ben’s has Been Featured in Numerous Films, TV, and Print Media

  • Oprah

  • Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations

  • CBS Nightly News

  • CNN

  • Today Show

  • Good Morning America

  • The New York Times

  • CBS Sunday Morning

  • The Amazon series, “Cross”

  • Movies like Russell Crowe’s “State of Play”

  • Denzel Washington’s “The Pelican Brief”

  • Don Cheadle’s “Talk to Me”

  • The Netflix series “Designated Survivor”

  • The Washington Post

For 67 years, Ben’s has graciously served the people, and every guest has always been embraced as family.

When segregation was still alive in the US, Ben’s offered a peaceful gathering place and safe haven for ALL people, regardless of any differences in background or perspective. Society has grown and changed, but Ben’s remains the same, continuing to celebrate people from all walks of life as they come together to eat, laugh, and discuss life as they see it.

Ben’s is still run by Virginia Ali, our matriarch, along with her three sons (Sage, Kamal, and Nizam), and two of her daughters-in-law (Vida and Sonya). The entire family works together daily in their restaurants, as well as on Ben’s Wholesale and Ben’s Franchising development. at 92 years old, Mom is still as vibrant as ever, greeting her beloved guests at Ben’s as she has done since that first day in 1958.

For additional information and press inquiries, please contact Vida Ali at (310) 859-4730 or via email at press@benschilibowl.com

“Ben’s Chili Bowl offers DC residents more than just good food; it is an institution that inspires black business owners to win big for DC. We are grateful to Ben’s Chili Bowl for making DC proud for 67 years.”
— DC Mayor Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Media Highlights
Ben’s Chili Bowl U St is closing for repairs on July 14th
Ben’s Chili Bowl U St is closing for repairs on July 14th
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From C-Span: Landmark Civil Rights Hangout - Ben’s Chili Bowl
From C-Span: Landmark Civil Rights Hangout - Ben’s Chili Bowl
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Today Show Spotlights Ben's Chili Bowl
Today Show Spotlights Ben's Chili Bowl
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Wizards Recognize Virginia Ali with a Bobblehead
Wizards Recognize Virginia Ali with a Bobblehead
Read More →
Happy 90th Birthday, Virginia Ali!
Happy 90th Birthday, Virginia Ali!
Read More →
65th Anniversary with Special Treat!
65th Anniversary with Special Treat!
Read More →
Man and woman smiling indoors, with clothing hanging in the background. The man is wearing glasses and a suit, while the woman is in a white shirt and apron with a Ben's Chili Bowl logo.
A man in a yellow t-shirt holding a trophy above his head, smiling. Another person in a yellow t-shirt stands nearby. They are outdoors under a white canopy, with trees in the background. The trophy has a plaque that reads, "World Chili Eating Champi
A group of six diverse people smiling indoors, with framed photos and awards on the wall behind them, captioned 'Donnie Sumpon & Family.'
Four people smiling and standing close together in an indoor setting with framed pictures on the wall behind them, with 'Harry Belafonte' text overlaid.
A group of seven men standing indoors, some wearing casual clothing like jackets, camouflage, and accessories, with framed pictures and decorations on the wall behind them, and the text 'Allen Iverson' in yellow at the bottom.
Four people standing close together in a social setting, with framed photographs and portraits on the wall in the background. Title text at the bottom right reads "Cornel West & Raheem DeVaughn."
Two men standing inside Ben's Chili Bowl restaurant, smiling at the camera. Behind them, a sign reads "Ben's Chili Bowl," and there is a television and some framed items on the wall. The man on the left has a gray beard and is wearing a t-shirt and c
A man with dark hair and a woman with curly hair and glasses standing close together, with the woman smiling. Text overlay: James Brown & Virginia Ali.
A man with a beard and black hair, wearing a black jacket, beige pants, and sneakers, leans on a vending machine in a restaurant called Chilli Bowl. The restaurant has a red sign with white text above the entrance, and pictures on the wall. The man i
Two women standing in front of a colorful food stand with a large painted bear sculpture. The stand has a sign that reads 'Ben's Chili Bowl' with an electric 'Open' sign. One woman is wearing a pink and white striped polo shirt, and the other is wear
A young man wearing a white shirt and black cap, smiling in a restaurant or diner. Behind him are signs with text about ordering sandwiches, vegetarian chili, and a note about where purchased items cannot be eaten. The text 'Dr. Dre' is written in ye
A man and woman smiling and posing together inside Ben's Chili Bowl restaurant, with the man wearing a Ben's Chili Bowl apron and giving a thumbs up. The background shows other customers and the restaurant's signage.
A man in a dark pinstripe suit and red tie, and a woman in an orange sweater with glasses, standing together indoors in front of framed documents on the wall. The man has his arm around the woman's shoulder. The image has the text 'Dennis Kucinich' i
Two men stand side by side with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera. One man is wearing a white t-shirt and the other man is dressed in a suit with a patterned tie. The background is blurred, and the text 'Denzel Washington' is writte
A man with dreadlocks and a beard wearing a black Ben's Chili Bowl t-shirt is smiling and pointing at a man in sunglasses and a white blazer. They are in a room decorated with framed photographs and artwork, with a staircase in the background.
A man standing next to a colorful, decorated panda sculpture outside a restaurant named Ben's Chili Bowl. The restaurant's signage is yellow with red writing, advertising chili, smoked items, and burgers. The man is smiling, wearing a navy blue sweat
Two young men smiling, one wearing a black leather jacket and a hat with a colorful patch, the other in a yellow shirt showing a peace sign, indoors with framed pictures on the wall.
A group of smiling people, including George Lopez, in a restaurant or food stand setting with menu boards overhead, some wearing uniforms or aprons, posing for a photo.
Two people standing close together, smiling, with framed photos and newspaper clippings on the wall behind them. The person on the left is an older woman with short hair, glasses, red lipstick, and wearing a lime green blazer. The person on the right
Three men sitting at a red table. The man on the left is wearing a white chef's coat and a black cap. The man in the middle has sunglasses and is dressed casually. The man on the right is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a blue tie. They are al
A group of seven men standing in front of a food truck named Ben's Chilli Bowl, some holding musical instruments and others with microphones, with the words 'Go-Go Legends' on the bottom left corner.
Three men standing in front of Ben's Chili Bowl, smiling at the camera. The storefront has colorful signs and a large banner with the name of the restaurant. The men are dressed casually and appear happy.
A man wearing a black jacket and a black-and-white houndstooth shirt holding sunglasses inside a room with pictures and certificates on the wall.
A man smiling and posing with a peace sign inside a restaurant with sign reading 'Ben's Chili Bowl.'
Four people standing together in front of a wall decorated with framed photographs. The group includes three women and one man, all smiling. The woman on the left has light hair and is wearing a dark brown and black outfit. The elderly woman in the c
Eleanor Holmes Norton speaking at a podium during a celebration event, with a group of people standing and sitting behind her, in front of a storefront with a sign that reads 'Happy 40th Anniversary' and 'Chili Bowl'.
A group of police officers and a man in a suit standing in front of a chili stand with a colorful stuffed animal toy on display.
An elderly woman with gray hair smiling next to a young man with short dark hair smiling. They are in an indoor setting, possibly a restaurant or cafe, with framed pictures on the wall in the background. The young man has a name tag that says "Kevin
A young man with a serious expression wearing a black hat and white sweatshirt, holding a fist up in a boxing stance, with a collage of photographs on a board behind him, and a name label reading "Chris Tucker" in yellow text at the bottom left corne
Two smiling men take a selfie in a room decorated with framed pictures on the wall. One man is wearing a black cap and black jacket over a yellow shirt, and the other man is wearing a beige cap with the number 3 and a yellow shirt. The text "Chance T
A man dressed in a black pinstripe suit, pink shirt, and black tie, wearing a black hat and sunglasses, smiling with gold teeth, standing inside a restaurant with a sign that reads "Chilli Bowl" in the background.
A man standing next to a jukebox in a restaurant or fast-food place with a sign behind him reading "The Famous" and part of another sign stating "Available Service Available for 5 or more people." The man has a serious expression, wearing a white T-s
A man in a dark blazer and black shirt stands in a fast-food restaurant, smiling at the camera, with people in colorful clothing in the background. The restaurant has illuminated menu boards and signs, and the name 'Ben's' visible in the background.
Two people, a man and a woman, standing in front of a mural of a man holding a microphone. The mural is black and white, and the man in the photo is smiling at the camera. The woman is wearing a white blouse and a necklace, and the man is wearing a b
A man wearing glasses and a maroon Georgia State sweatshirt, sitting indoors with a wooden wall and speaker in the background.
Three men smiling and posing together inside a restaurant with signs and decorations in the background.
Two men standing in front of a bright yellow and red Ben's Chili Bowl food stand; one man has gray hair, a beard, glasses, and is wearing a black leather jacket and cap, while the younger man has short black hair, and is raising his right arm with a
A group of four people, two men and two women, standing inside Ben's Chili Bowl, a restaurant with a red and white sign that reads 'Home of the Famous Chili Dog,' and a large 'Ben's' sign above. The group is smiling, with one man having his arm aroun
Two men dressed in suits standing outside a restaurant called Ben's Chili Bowl. One has an afro hairstyle and glasses, the other is clean-shaven with short hair. The photo has a text overlay that reads "Dr. West & Tavis Smiley."
Jesse Jackson speaking at a podium with multiple microphones, standing in front of a hot dog stand sign. The sign reads 'Smokes' and 'Chili Bowl' in red and yellow colors.
Marion Barry speaking at a podium during a public event outdoors, with a crowd of people, some seated and others standing, watching him. Red and white balloons are visible, and there is a camera crew recording the event. The setting features brick bu
A man in a light blue shirt and glasses is painting on a whiteboard while a group of students observe. The scene is in a school hallway.
A man and an elderly woman hugging and smiling. The woman is wearing a pink blazer and the man is wearing a dark jacket and white t-shirt. There is text on the image that reads 'Somebody Feed Phil' Rosenthal.
Two men standing in front of a Ben's Chili Bowl restaurant, smiling at the camera. The restaurant sign is visible in the background.
A man in a suit stands in front of a colorful food stand with a large painted bear. He points upward with one finger and gives a thumbs-up with the other. The stand is named Ben's Chili Bowl and features a yellow and red sign. Behind him, inside the
Two women smiling at the camera inside a restaurant called Chili Bowl, with a sign that says 'Chili Bowl of the Famous Chili'. They are standing outside the entrance, with a person in a leather jacket and others inside. One woman has curly red hair a
Three women standing close together and smiling for a photo in front of a colorful abstract painting, with the name Iyanla Vanzant written at the bottom.
Two men standing close together, indoors, smiling for the camera. The man on the left wears a black cap and a blue zip-up jacket, and the man on the right has gray hair and wears a black zip-up jacket. A framed photograph and a poster are visible on
Two men sitting at a table, smiling, with the caption 'Adam Richman Man vs. Food' in the bottom left corner.
Two men smiling and posing for a photo in front of a sign that reads 'Ben's Chili Bowl of the Famous Ch'. One man is wearing a colorful striped shirt and a red beret, the other is wearing a white t-shirt. The text 'Fred 'ReRun' Berry' is overlaid at
A man and a woman standing together inside a restaurant named Ben's Chili Bowl, with the man wearing a black cap, black T-shirt, and red shoes, and the woman wearing a denim jacket and blue jeans. There is a young girl in the background wearing a gra
A smiling elderly woman with gray hair holding food, sitting at a table with a younger man with dark hair. They are in a casual dining restaurant, with food and drinks on the table. On the wall behind them are framed photos and a large screen display
Three people, two men and one woman, smiling for a selfie outdoors with a city street and brick building in the background. The man on the right is wearing a tan hat, round sunglasses, and has headphones around his neck. The woman has gray hair and i
A man and a woman standing outside a fast food restaurant with a yellow and red sign that reads "Ben's Chili Dogs." The man has shoulder-length hair, wears a gray coat over a white shirt, and has his hands in his pockets. The woman has blonde hair, w
A group of women smiling at an indoor event, with a woman in the center who is likely Hillary Clinton, wearing a dark jacket. Other women around her have glasses and name tags. The background shows people and framed pictures on the wall.
An elderly woman in a pink sweater and an elderly man in a dark coat and tie standing outside a restaurant named Ben's Chili. There is a colorful decorative sculpture of a stylized animal, possibly a bear, in front of the restaurant.
Two men smiling and posing for a photo indoors. The man on the left is wearing a black leather jacket and a striped scarf, while the man on the right is wearing a black hoodie with a logo and a cap. The image has the caption "Tyrese & Sage Ali."
Two men standing in an indoor setting, one with arms crossed wearing glasses and a hoodie, the other wearing a black shirt with a watch on his wrist. They are posing for the photo with framed pictures on the wall behind them. The text 'Raheem DeVaugh
A smiling woman with gray hair holding a piece of fried chicken at a dining table with food and drinks, in a casual indoor setting.
Mayor Vincent Gray standing inside a restaurant or diner, wearing a dark pinstripe suit and yellow tie, with a sign in the background reading "Ben's Chili Bowl" and "of the famous chili".
A woman with long, blonde twisted braids smiling at the camera, wearing a black leather coat, in an art gallery with framed photographs on the wall. The name 'Serena' is written in yellow script at the bottom.
A group of people sitting at a counter inside a restaurant, with a man in a red shirt with dreadlocks holding a phone, and other people sitting and standing around, with Coca-Cola cups and condiments on the counter.
Group of five diverse people smiling for a photo indoors, with two men in suits, a woman in a red jacket, and two other men. The bottom left corner has the name "Barack Obama" written in yellow text.
Man in a business suit standing outside a storefront with a bright yellow and red sign that reads 'Ben's Chul'. The storefront has a neon 'Open' sign and a window showing people inside. The man has short dark hair, glasses, and a light blue tie, and
Two men standing and smiling at an event, with a crowded background of people and photos on the wall.
A man enjoying a burger at a restaurant called Ben's Chili Bowl. He's sitting at a table with food and a milkshake, with a woman operating a camera in the background.
Three people, Doug Williams and Jayden Daniels, standing in front of a yellow and red food stand for Ben's Chili Bowl, with a sign above that says 'A Washington Landmark.'
Group of four young women and one elderly woman sitting at a fast food restaurant counter, smiling for the camera. The young women are wearing casual sportswear, and the elderly woman is dressed in a red shirt. The background features menu boards wit
Three people standing in front of a restaurant called Chilli Bowl. The person in the middle holds a trophy and makes a rock sign with one hand. The woman on the left is smiling, and the older woman on the right is also smiling. The background shows t
Group of six people inside Bens Chili Bowl restaurant, smiling for a photo. The restaurant sign reads 'Bens Chili Bowl,' with a slogan 'Somebody Feed Phil' Rosenthal written across the bottom of the image.
Young man with a beard wearing a white cap and a black T-shirt sitting inside a restaurant, holding a hot dog with chili. There are other people in the background and food on the table.
Four people smiling in front of a sign that says 'Chili Bowl' and 'Home of the Famous Chili Dog' inside a restaurant. The group includes two men and two women, one of whom is elderly. There are checks, awards, and a potted plant visible in the backgr
A man smiling, wearing glasses, a light gray shirt with a blue and white logo, a white hoodie, black pants, and a white cap with a red logo. He is holding a microphone with a yellow
A smiling older man in a black suit, white shirt, red patterned tie, and red pocket square standing next to a smiling younger man in a white hoodie. The background appears to be an indoor public space. The text 'Charles Rangel' is written in yellow c
A man wearing a gray knit hat, red glasses, black blazer, and a black t-shirt with colorful text poses in front of a restaurant sign that reads 'Chili Bowl' inside a eating establishment, with other patrons in the background.
A man and woman smiling and standing together outdoors, with a bus behind them that has the words 'Phili Bowl' on it. The man is wearing sunglasses and a business suit with a red tie. The woman is holding a book titled 'Toni Clancy with her familiar
Barack Obama shaking hands with a man inside a casual eatery, smiling and interacting with other patrons and staff.
Michael Eric Dyson speaking into a microphone during an interview, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and striped tie, with a black-and-white photo of young men in the background.
A woman wearing a beige knitted hat, large sunglasses, a black scarf with sparkling details, and a black coat with gray fur trim. She is standing indoors in front of framed pictures on the wall.
Barack Obama eating a burger at a table.
Group of six smiling people, three women and three men, taking a selfie in what looks like a busy indoor setting, with some people working on laptops in the background. The person in front has a dark shirt with camouflage pattern, and the others are
Four men standing together in front of a food stand labeled 'Chili Bowl' with a sign above that reads 'Washington Landmark since 1958'.
A group of diverse people, including an elderly woman and several men and women, smiling and gathered together in a fast food restaurant. The individuals are wearing black shirts with the word 'CROSS' printed on them, and some are wearing gloves. The
A young man in a blue suit and white hat standing next to an elderly woman in a yellow blazer inside a fast-food restaurant.