Ben's Next Door

Ben’s Chili Bowl, established in 1958, has evolved into a national landmark that has withstood the test of time. The “Bowl” has been frequented by celebrities, such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bill Cosby and has received nationwide publicity over the years, including features on Oprah, CNN, Good Morning America, Meet The Press, and the Food Network. Ben’s Chili Bowl has become known across the country as a genuine component of Washington, D.C.’s food culture.

In 2007 Ben’s Chili Bowl, decided to expand their current U Street operation and selected GGA as their designer/ architect to help undertake this endeavor. Having acquired an adjacent piece of property, plans were soon developed for a new complimentary space.

Ben’s Next Door, as it is called, has a different atmosphere than The ‘Bowl’, more reminiscent of the early 60’s jazz bars during the Golden Age of the U Street Corridor nightlife.

Location: Washington, DC

Project Size: 4,000 SF