Photo by Martin Locraft.

The 55th anniversary of Ben’s Chili Bowl will be marked by a famous friend, surprises and, of course, half-smokes.

As the Washington Post first reported, Bill Cosby will speak at Thursday’s celebration, which kicks off at 10 a.m. The legendary comedian and sitcom dad is the voice callers hear when they dial Ben’s. (“You’re on hold at Ben’s Chili Bowl.”)

Nizam Ali, one of Ben’s three sons, told DCist Mayor Vincent Gray and other politicians are also scheduled to speak. A party will take place near the U Street institution in the adjacent alley, named Ben Ali Way for the eatery’s founder, from about noon to 4 p.m. “Other surprises” should be expected too, Ali said.

As Ali pointed out, Thursday is also the 103rd anniversary of the Howard Theatre and Chuck Brown’s birthday. Ali said the Ben’s crew, as well as friends and family, will head over to the Howard that night for the Chuck Brown birthday celebration, which features his All-Star Band.