WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — People filled the Ben’s Chili Bowl location on U Street Monday for the last time…for awhile.
The restaurant said it would be closing temporarily for renovations that included repairs and upgrades.
The work, which was expected to last for four months, is intended to preserve the integrity and heritage of the space and to ensure that the restaurant remains a welcoming and safe environment for guests.
Ben’s will have a pop-up restaurant set up across the street while the renovation is taking place. Both locations are in the 1200 block of U St. NW.
Since the late 1950s, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a draw for celebrities, politicians, and many other people. Some of the bigger name visitors include former President Barack Obama, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Bruno Mars, and Kevin Hart.
Leading up to the “last” day, people were invited to stop by to take a picture with owner Virginia “Mom” Ali and to share their favorite Ben’s Chili Bowl story.
The Ben’s on U Street is the business’ original location. It also has restaurants on H Street in Northeast, at the convention center in D.C., inside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and at Nationals Park. Additionally, Ben’s Chili Bowl products can be found in Giant Food stores and several Costco locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
