Kamal Ali

Kamal was born on July 29, 1962 at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC. He attended Shepherd Elementary School, Georgetown Day School and the University of Pennsylvania. He grew up working at his family’s business, Ben’s Chili Bowl, as a teenager. He has been married 22 years to Sonya Jamil Ali.

Ben’s Chili Bowl Expansions and Developments

Ben’s Bakery and Ice Cream 1986 which operated at the Reeves Center at 14th & U Street for 20 years.

Ben’s Chili Bowl Addition in 2003 to add a dining room for 60 to accommodate tour and bus groups.

Ben’s Next Door Restaurant and Bar – Opened 2008, Full Service Restaurant, developed 9,000 sf building at 1211 U Street

Nationals’ Baseball Park – Outlets, Opened 2008

Fedex Field -Redskins Park Outlet, Opened 2011

Ben’s Chili Bowl Rosslyn, VA – Opened 2014, First Full Ben’s Chili Bowl expansion, developed 1700 sf space at 1725 Wilson Blvd, VA

Ben’s Chili Bowl DCA, VA – Opened 2015, Ben’s Chili Bowl airport expansion in National Hall between concourse B&C

Ben’s Chili Bowl H ST – Opened 2015, Third Full Ben’s Chili Bowl expansion, constructed new 4 level building at 1001 H ST NE

TEN 01 (share plates, rooftop, bar) – Opened 2015, Developed new concept for second full service restaurant housed on two floors at 1001 H ST NE

Boards, Affiliations, Community Involvement

  • Chairman, Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation

  • U Street Theatre Foundation, Past President

  • Mid City Biz Association, Past President

  • Barker Foundation Endowment Committee

  • 100 Fathers

  • Georgetown Day School, Board of Trustees, and Parent