By Ali Halloum
AFRO Intern
Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of Washington, D.C.’s iconic eateries, will be temporarily closing its historic location on U Street to conduct essential repairs and upgrades, the restaurant announced in a recent press release. This marks the first closure to the iconic building for repairs in over 60 years.
“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,” said Ben’s Chili Bowl founder Virginia “Mom” Ali in the statement.
While repairs are underway, the restaurant will open a temporary “pop-up” location, just across from their U Street building, where they will continue to serve their iconic “half-smokes,” according to the press release. The new location will open at 11 a.m. on July 17.
A community anchor since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has seen many celebrities, locals as well as prominent politicians and leaders come through its doors, evident in the pictures on its walls. This temporary closure for essential repairs is, as the restaurant put it “not a goodbye, but a see you soon.”