KC BBQ fans can now earn prizes for eating ribs

How it works: Users sign up for free on VisitKC.com to get a digital "passport" sent to their phone.

• Diners check in at participating restaurants to earn points.
• Visit KC member restaurants are worth 100 points per visit. Non-members are worth 50.
• Just 100 points earns your first reward — a branded bottle opener — while the biggest prize, a custom apron, requires 3,000 points.

Behind the scenes: The program first launched in 2018 as an app with check-ins and photos but no real incentives. This version took months to build after switching platforms.

• "We felt that allowing users to earn points toward prizes would be an engaging way to hopefully drive participation and encourage more people to support our local restaurants," Visit KC's Makenzie Wolters tells Axios.

The big picture: Visit KC has more than 900 members, including restaurants and event organizers.

If you go: You'll need to be on-site to check in and rack up points.

• The new Museum of BBQ at Crown Center is the official prize redemption location.

The bottom line: Kansas City's barbecue culture already inspires loyalty. Now it comes with swag.