For more than 40 years, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has brought the traditional taste of fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue to over 30 restaurants located throughout the state. But now, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is using contemporary communications technology and the social networking revolution to create and serve even more customers and communities online.

“Dining has always been a social experience, says Richard Averitte, marketing director, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “Now Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is taking that idea one step further and making it a social networking experience.”

Recently Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has significantly stepped up its efforts to bring the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q experience closer to more individuals and communities online. The company has enhanced its Web site, www.scnbnc.com, with an expanded online store where customers can have barbecue shipped nationwide. The latest news and events are posted on a regularly updated blog. The Web site also includes links to a recently posted YouTube video, which shows just how fun ordering barbecue online can be. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q fan pages are on the wildly popular Twitter and Facebook social networking sites.

“Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q built its business on giving the people in each community we serve exactly what they want,” Averitte says. “By continuing to expand the reach and scope of our idea of community to connect with our customers online, we give them the ability to bring the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q experience home whenever they want it, no matter where home may be.”