Happy Belly Food Groups Heal Wellness QSR Signs 40-Unit Area Development Agreement for the Province of Quebec

Core Viewpoint - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed an area development agreement to open 40 franchised restaurants of Heal Wellness in Quebec, marking a significant expansion for both the company and the brand [1][3]. Company Expansion - Heal Wellness is rapidly establishing a national presence, now operating in its 9th province across Canada, with a total of 180 contractually committed units across Canada and the U.S. [3] - The expansion into Quebec is seen as a significant opportunity due to the lack of a clear category leader in the province, allowing Happy Belly to leverage its first mover advantage [3]. Strategic Partnerships - Happy Belly is partnering with a Quebec-based area developer team that has over 22 years of experience in launching and supporting both corporate and franchised operations, which is expected to enhance Heal's success in the province [3]. Growth Strategy - The company has 591 retail franchise locations contractually committed, covering various stages of planning, construction, and operation, indicating a steady expansion pipeline into 2025 and 2026 [4]. - Happy Belly's asset-light franchise model is central to its growth strategy, allowing for disciplined organic expansion while maximizing asset value [4]. Brand Overview - Heal Wellness focuses on providing quick, fresh wellness foods, including a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies, crafted with real fruit and superfood ingredients [5].