Ben Ali, founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, the iconic U Street NW eatery that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, died at age 82 yesterday. Ali's legacy was remarkable: he came to America as an immigrant from Trinidad, studied at Howard University and opened a restaurant that proved so popular, even President Obama visited earlier this year. His family thanks the community for its support; plans for a public commemoration have yet to be announced.
UPDATE: The memorial event will be held on Friday, October 16 at the Lincoln Theater, next to Ben's. In lieu of flowers, Ali's family asks that donations be made to either the Islamic Society of the Washington Area or Teaching for Change (noon; 1215 U Street).