D.C. institution Ben’s Chili Bowl had announced several months ago that it was opening a location on H Street, which was very exciting news. Now WTOP reports that an ex-Ben’s Chili Bowl employee who thinks he can improve the Ben’s Chili Bowl model is opening his own place, D.C. Chili Bowl, on H Street as direct competition.
From WTOP:
A former employee of the U Street greasy spoon stalwart plans to open up a competing restaurant on H Street in Northeast, the same neighborhood where the tight-knit clan of Ben’s Chili Bowl founder Ben Ali plans to open a new franchise.
Holmon’s alternative, D.C. Chili Bowl, plans to serve fried onions, sauerkraut and cornbread — all ingredients unavailable at the purist U Street hub. They are already catering to downtown businesses while they settle on a permanent location. Along with partner and former colleague Menyana Williams, they will also serve turkey chili and turkey sauce, contrasted against the beef versions at Ben’s.
District Cuisine 
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