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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Another Anniversary - Ben's Chili Bowl turns 50

Throughout the decades, Ben's has become a historical icon on U Street in Washington, DC, and 50 years later, remains more than a destination for chili half smokes and cheese fries.

Ben's opened on Aug. 22, 1958 at the height of "Black Broadway" on U Street. The restaurant remains in the same building today.

Nizam Ali, in window, and his brother Kamal are committed to keeping Ben's true to its roots.

D.C. residents clamored to celebrate Ben's 45th anniversary, and it was standing room only for those who wanted to order food at the grill.

Comedian Bill Cosby, left, joins Ben Ali, right, and Ali's wife, Virginia, during Ben's 45th anniversary. Cosby has been a long-time supporter of the restaurant.

Film crews make a set outside of Ben's to film for "State of Play," a movie staring Russell Crowe, which hasn't been released.

Crowe, left, and consultant R.B. Brenner, a Washington Post editor, on the movie set at Ben's.

Photos and text from The Washington Post.

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