The family was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, afraid of losing business
After being shut out of the initial round of forgivable federal loans, the Ali family — owners of the iconic Washington, D.C. diner, Ben’s Chili Bowl — got the news they’d been waiting weeks for, their emergency Paycheck Protection Program assistance had been approved.
“We have good news as opposed to bad news,” Sage Ali recalled his banker telling him Monday night and confirming Tuesday afternoon. “Everything has gone through. Everything has been approved and accepted. We are now officially approved.”
Sage could not wait to tell his mother, Virginia, the 86-year old matriarch and co-founder of the business who has been stuck at home since the novel coronavirus pandemic hit in February.
“I told Mom, and she was just so relieved and so happy,” Sage said. “You could tell she would rest easier.”
They’re waiting to see just how much of the loan is funded, but Sage said the family is elated.
By Trish Turner, ABC News
Featured Image, Linda Davidson/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Full article @ ABC News