NHL and DoorDash Announce Multiyear Partnership Across Canada and the United States

DoorDash and the National Hockey League (NHL®) today announced a multiyear North American partnership naming DoorDash the Official On-Demand Delivery and Pick Up Partner of the NHL in Canada and the United States. The exclusive deal begins immediately and marks DoorDash's first partnership with the NHL.

Under the agreement, DoorDash gains a broad set of marketing rights and NHL designations, including use of League marks, broadcast-visible branding through Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards during nationally televised games, integration across NHL tentpole...

Circana Tells Advertisers to Start Holiday 2026 Planning Earlier

Advertisers should start planning for the 2026 holidays earlier as shoppers increasingly discover products through social platforms, creators and AI tools, according to new guidance from Circana.

In its report, How Advertisers Should Prepare for Holiday 2026, the market research firm recommends that brands and media teams begin holiday activity ahead of traditional peak periods, build social and creator discovery into media plans, optimize product data for AI-assisted shopping and measure results across channels.

The case for an earlier start is reflected in Circana’s 2025...

Circana, DoorDash Partnership Aims to Measure Incremental Value of Retail Media

Circana has entered into a new partnership with DoorDash to provide independent measurement of advertising performance on the delivery platform, giving consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands a way to assess whether Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands are generating incremental sales.

The collaboration comes as retail media advertisers increasingly look for standardized measurement that connects ad exposure with actual purchasing behavior.

"As retail media matures, most networks offer incrementality solutions for their own ecosystem, but marketers also need measurement they can compare and contrast across networks...

PF Chang’s Promotes Patrick Benson to Lead New Marketing Communications Function

PF Chang’s has promoted Patrick Benson to director of marketing communications, a newly created leadership role that signals the launch of the brand’s dedicated marketing communications function.

The move comes as the restaurant chain continues to invest in a more modern and integrated marketing organization following what it described as one of its strongest years in both cultural relevance and commercial performance.

In his new role, Benson will oversee public relations, corporate communications, influencer strategy, and social media, with a focus on building integrated communications...

Eckrich Serves Up the Taste of Home and Feel-Good Moments with Campaign Celebrating Bold Flavor for 

Eckrich®, the beloved brand known for its delicious smoked sausages and deli meats, unveils the latest iteration of its national campaign “The Sausage That Takes You Home.” The campaign celebrates grilling season by highlighting how Eckrich Smoked Sausage delivers ease, bold flavor and the warmth of home across everyday grilling occasions.

The campaign builds on the success of the 2025 launch of “The Sausage That Takes You Home”, continuing the brand’s focus on...

Smithfield Unveils New Agency Team to Strengthen Brand Growth and Consumer Reach

Smithfield Foods announced a new integrated agency team designed to amplify market presence, deepen consumer connection and innovation across its portfolio of brands including Smithfield, Nathan’s, Eckrich, Farmland, Armour, Farmer John, Kretschmar, Carando and Margherita.

The company has assembled a coalition aimed at leading its brand strategy. As part of this effort the company has named Leo Chicago as creative agency of record and LaForce as lead communications partner joining existing agencies Kelly Scott Madison Media and Mars United Commerce, who will continue leading...

Popeyes® Sets Sail with ONE PIECE with an Epic Anime-Inspired Menu and Collectibles Drop

Popeyes® is bringing the spirit of adventure to fans nationwide with the launch of its first ever anime collaboration, Popeyes x ONE PIECE, in partnership with the legendary studio Toei Animation. A celebration of the global hit series and pop culture phenomenon ONE PIECE, Popeyes x ONE PIECE launches on April 13 at participating Popeyes restaurants across the US and Canada, and features a limited-time menu that transforms the epic world of ONE PIECE into a craveable...

Wendy’s Renews Warner Bros. Partnership as Growth Strategy Expands Across Markets

Wendy's is renewing its partnership for a third time with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) to bring the DC Universe to Kids’ Meals.

The promotion is set to launch later this month and run through early June, featuring one of 12 complimentary DC superheroes along with themed DC Ride toys in each order.

Kids’ Meals include a choice of 2-piece chicken tenders, 4-piece chicken nuggets, a hamburger or cheeseburger, paired with either Jr. Hot & Crispy...

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Partners with Collegiate Athletes Through NIL Deals

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a fast-casual restaurant, has announced a partnership awarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to ten collegiate athletes in Arizona, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Just in time for “the big dance,” Freddy’s is showcasing collegiate athletes excelling in basketball while sharing their menu favorites across social media channels and the brand’s website.

“I’m so excited to be working with Freddy’s again this year,” said Emanuel Sharp, a basketball player for the Houston Cougars...

Wendy's Search for the First-Ever Chief Tasting Officer

Wendy's is in search of its first-ever Chief Tasting Officer. The announcement was met with thousands of applicants eager to win the ultimate prize: $100,000 and a chance to create content and taste food for the company.

The deadline to enter a 1-minute video application is March 30. It should showcase passion for the Wendy's brand accented with personality and palate, and can be submitted online or via social media.

"The response has been incredible and exactly what we hoped...

OpenTable Launches New Media Network, Connecting Brands with Millions of Global Diners

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech, today announced the launch of its new media solution, OpenTable Media, unlocking paid partnerships and advertising on the platform. The new offering positions OpenTable as a valuable, full-service media partner for a wide range of brands looking to reach consumers through differentiated channels and experiences.

OpenTable Media enables brands to build customized campaigns across multiple touch points in the diner journey, from discovery to booking, helping them reach new audiences, leverage strategic distribution channels, and better understand customer behavior.

Inside QDOBA's Growth Strategy with New CMO Jon Burke

Expana recently had the chance to catch up with Jon Burke, the newly promoted Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of QDOBA.  He offered a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the rapidly expanding restaurant chain. With over 825 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico and a pipeline of 600 more, QDOBA is gearing up for its first national marketing campaign. 

In the announcement about this promotion, CEO John Cywinkski said, "Jon is a trusted and respected leader who has earned this opportunity...