Photo by Kevin H.

Ben’s Chili Bowl has always been something of an untouchable local culinary institution, but it may soon be getting some competition — and from someone who saw the eatery’s workings from within.

WTOP reported yesterday that Anthony Ulysses Holmon, a former Ben’s employee, is looking to open up a competitor chili and half-smoke restaurant on or around H Street NE, the same place where Ben’s is planning on expanding to next. Holmon is touting some new products that he says he former bosses at Ben’s were indifferent too, and even plans on a very similar name — D.C. Chili Bowl:

“I believe the Hebrew hot dog is a better tasting beef dog, plus it’s a kosher product,” Holmon tells WTOP of the non-Kosher half-smokes that put 54-year-old Ben’s Chili Bowl on the map. “You want to offer the product to everybody, all nationalities. That will add another layer of customers.”

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.

Though Holmon hasn’t yet found a space for his new restaurant, he tweeted recently that he is offering office tastings.

According to the Post, Ben’s owner Kamal Ali isn’t particularly worried about the competition and is instead focusing on his own expansion plans — H Street NE and Clarendon are coming, he said.