Happy Belly's Heal Wellness QSR Expands Alberta Footprint as Existing Multi-Unit Franchisee Increases Commitment from 10 to 15 Locations

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has expanded its franchise agreement with an existing multi-unit franchisee in Alberta from 10 to 15 units for its Heal Wellness brand, which specializes in fresh smoothie bowls and smoothies [1][3][5] - The expansion reflects strong organic support from the franchisee base, indicating a growing interest in multi-unit ownership among existing operators [3][5] - Heal Wellness is recognized as Canada's first national smoothie bowl brand, with a scalable, asset-light model that supports its growth and enhances value for franchise partners and investors [5][6] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada [9] - The company has a total of 616 retail locations under contract, which includes development, construction, and operational stages, indicating a robust franchise pipeline [5][6] Brand Performance - Heal Wellness has seen significant growth since its initial five-unit agreement in October 2023, doubling to 10 units by May 2024, and now expanding to 15 units [3][5] - The brand is experiencing increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty, contributing to its expanding national footprint with additional units under construction in Alberta, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island [5][6] Strategic Growth - The company is focused on a strategic blend of organic growth and targeted acquisitions to accelerate the momentum behind Heal Wellness and its broader portfolio [5][6] - By aligning with experienced operators and securing prime real estate, Happy Belly aims to strengthen its long-term fundamentals and deliver sustained growth through 2026 and beyond [6]