Each week I pick 5 key folk to follow on the web (and Twitter) based on a selected topic.

You can learn a great deal about engaging your users from these food and drink related companies:

  • Dunkin’ Donuts (@dunkindonuts) From social media contests to interacting with customers via Q&A, Dunkin’ Donuts shows you really can boost sales via social networking. Like them on Facebook, too!
  • Starbucks (@starbucks) Okay, so I’ve never gotten a reply from the many tweets I’ve sent their way, but I do see them interacting with their customers throughout each day. Another example of engagement = sales.
  • Whole Foods Market (@wholefoods) This company has really set the bar high for competitors. Where they really succeed, though, is allowing local stores manage their own accounts. Talk about interaction! Find your local store’s Twitter account.
  • The Veggie Grill (@veggiegrill) This account is a great example of how local restaurants can engage their customers. Tweets are managed by co-founder Kevin Boylan, who likes to wake you up with interesting news, provide customer service and make you laugh. He calls Wednesdays Veggie Grill Virgin Night – challenging customers to bring new folks through the door. (I found this great post that explains what I’m talking about.)
  • Taco Bell (@tacobell) You don’t have to like the food to appreciate this company’s Twitter account. Taco Bell knows its target audience. Even in the wake of a lawsuit (dropped, by the way) they launched aggressive ad campaigns, ultimately demanding apologies (view the PDF). This rallied up more supporters, and they’re happy to have them. I especially love that when someone asked what a menu item looked like, Taco Bell promptly uploaded a Twitpic. Very cool.

Taco Bell tweet

Of course, there are plenty of folk worthy of mention. My picks are based on current trends and my experience. Know a foodie-type account we all need to follow around? Share your thoughts in the comments box!