Description
From the days when U Street was once hailed as “Black Broadway” to the present revitalization and gentrification of the brand new millennium, Ben’s Chili Bowl survived it all. On August 22, 1958, West Indian immigrant Mahaboob Ben Ali and his fiancée, Virginia Rollins, saw their dream realized as they opened a hot dog and chili shop on U Street. They never imagined that Ben’s would transform world renowned or this sort of beloved restaurant within the nation’s capital. As of late visitors to U Street will discover a diverse and eclectic mix of residents, music venues, trendy shops, and, of course, “the Bowl.” The images on this book provide a look back over the 50-year history of Ben’s Chili Bowl, U Street, the Ali circle of relatives, and the patrons who have helped define Ben’s as a vibrant cultural landmark.