April 2008 – Ben’s at the Nats stadium is a hit!
It happened! There is a Ben’s Chili Bowl stand at Nationals Park and it is a whopping success! Long lines of happy patrons could be seen waiting for a taste of Ben’s on opening day. Since then, the Ben’s stand has been has been so popular that the landmark eatery got permission to take over the stand next to it. Now Ben’s at the stadium is double-wide to help minimize the wait for Ben’s delicious food.


March 2008 – Ben’s Chili Bowl and the Washington Nationals in talks to have Ben’s at the new ballpark.
Everyone says that Ben’s in the new Nationals Park would be a match made in heaven. Kamal & Nizam Ali are in talks with the Nationals to make it happen. If it does, get ready for opening day on March 30th.


February 2008 – Tracey Gold Bennett and Nizam Ali Sign Book Deal about Ben’s
Author and news veteran Tracey Gold Bennett and Nizam Ali sign a deal with Arcadia Publishing to create a historical picture book commemorating the 50 years of Ben’s Chili Bowl. Scheduled to be available in August, the book Ben’s Chili Bowl: 50 Years of a Washington D.C. Landmark will be a part of Arcadia’s Images of America series and will be available in bookstores and online. Twenty-five percent of royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to charity.


February 2008 – Ben’s Chili Bowl sets dates for its 50th Anniversary Celebrations!
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Ben’s Chili Bowl, a Gala Celebration has been planned for Thursday evening August 21, 2008 at the Historic Lincoln Theatre next door to Ben’s. Also scheduled is a press conference and street festival to be held the following day on Friday, August 22, 2008. “This will be the last great time to do it big and say thank you to mom and dad for creating this wonderful place and for sustaining it for so long,” says Kamal Ali.


January 2008 – Ben’s Chili Bowl enters into its 50th Year!
From 1958 to 2008, Ben’s Chili Bowl enters into 50 years of serving the community, residents of D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and tourists from around the world. Still owned and operated by the Ali family, the beloved restaurant begins its quest toward 50 more years!


Fall 2007 – Ben’s Chili Bowl switches its electricity to 100% Wind Power!
Ben’s Chili Bowl and several other locally-owned and operated businesses join with Clean Currents, a local green energy solution company, and switch from standard carbon producing electric power to 100% wind power. The move will raise Ben’s Chili Bowl’s energy bill but as Nizam Ali says, “It’s simply the right thing to do for our planet and for our children.” Furthermore, the Ali Family encourages all business to do their part and switch to clean energy.


Spring 2007 – Kamal & Nizam Ali Purchase Building Next Door to Ben’s
Sons of owners Ben & Virginia Ali purchase the abandon building next door to Ben’s. The action will finally clean up the eyesore that has tarnished to look of the block for many years. It is told that their plan for the building is to open up a bar with the same feel and comfort of Ben’s.