“How much for one rib?” … $18.99 and change if we’re talking Ribzilla, the colossal beef short rib now on special at Famous Dave’s restaurants.

I figure I’ve been due for a fanboy post and this one fell right into my lap earlier this week as I learned of Ribzilla’s unveiling via @Famous_Daves on Twitter. “Adam” from corporate was busy monitoring and responding to customer comments throughout the week, including my own, and I must admit his simple acknowledgement coupled with a memorable name like Ribzilla pretty much left me no choice but to blog a bit about my experience…

(C) 2010 Famous Dave's of America, Inc.

I considered it my civic duty to run the family out to the Chandler, Arizona location and confront Ribzilla. There I learned of the chain’s use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for social engagement both locally and nationally.

Dave’s Chandler location encourages patrons to give their servers virtual high-fives, and Jake from the October 6th dinner shift definitely earned his. We had the kids in tow and in addition to his friendliness he brought over some extra spoons at our request (keeps the baby busy while we hit the ribs).

Some other smart moves among the chain’s marketing and engagement tactics include ties with the NFL football season (check out www.famousPigskinPicks.com) and the P.I.G. Club (a program for Pretty Important Guests).

And regarding Ribzilla? I rather enjoyed a beef rib for a change although I’m partial to pork ribs. In fact, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Alice Cooperstown, another fine Phoenix BBQ establishment whose namesake is nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. It’s a toss up for me when it comes to Dave and Alice. Great blues music at Dave’s, equally good rock music and sports viewing over at Alice’s. The ribs, nearly identical. My conspiracy theory: they source their ribs from the same supplier, and why not!

Have you engaged with any of your favorite restaurants or entertainment venues on social networks? Has it increased your likelihood to visit more often and freely promote them, or distanced you for any reason?

Restaurateurs, how about you? Any results to share?

Earlier this month Shamrock Foods and a variety of participating Arizona restaurants introduced Dine4AZ, a three month campaign to encourage residents and visitors to eat out more often.

One in 10 working Americans are restaurant employees according to the National Restaurant Association, and Arizona has more than a quarter million food service employees per the Arizona Restaurant Association. All told, there are nearly 9,000 eating and drinking establishments in Arizona. While some may consider this a timely feel-good campaign, the economic stimulus capacity seems promising.  Supporting stats from Shamrock Foods’ Dine4AZ press release indicate: each dollar spent at an Arizona restaurant generates an additional dollar in sales for other Arizona industries, and each additional $1 million spent in restaurants and bars generates an additional 26 jobs for the state.

Welcome to My Restaurant: Alice Cooper and Shamrock Foods CEO Norm McClelland at Dine4AZ campaign kickoff

The campaign of course offers diners coupons and specials at participating restaurants, and the Dine4AZ.com Web site helps visitors locate participating eateries by city and cuisine. But it’s the communication aspects and news of the launch event at Alice Cooperstown that initially captured my interest.  (Yes, Cooperstown is the namesake eatery of classic rocker Alice Cooper. I’ve found few other establishment that can match those ribs — possibly Famous Dave’s with my conspiracy theory being they may have the same supplier…hmm).

I was also drawn in by the dash of social networking that the campaign and knoodle, its Phoenix-based advertising and public relations agency of record, have integrated with activities via Twitter and Facebook pages.

The Cooperstown campaign kickoff (I did not attend) paired Cooper with Governor Jan Brewer as they took turns delivering the pitch. Local ABC and Fox television coverage capture some sound bytes.

knoodle’s Dine4AZ efforts have produced a nice mix of radio, television, print and blog coverage, as well as ongoing awareness and conversations generated through social networking. The campaign represents an interesting blend of corporate, celebrity, agency, media, industry association and even government efforts toward a mutual set of benefits; and it helps confirm that some basic social media use can help amplify the key messages of just about any initiative with most any kind of audience. Hats off to Christina Salgado, Rosario Glasco-Cain and the knoodle team for their job revving up the campaign’s communications.