Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed its first franchise agreement for Heal Wellness in Quebec, marking a significant step in the brand's national expansion [1][3] - The agreement is part of a broader 40-unit area development plan for Quebec, highlighting the company's strategy to scale emerging food brands across Canada [1][4] - Heal Wellness specializes in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, catering to the growing demand for wellness-focused food options [1][9] Company Expansion - The signing of the franchise agreement signifies Heal Wellness's entry into its ninth province, demonstrating Happy Belly's capability to grow and strengthen its brands nationally [3][4] - The company has a robust franchise pipeline with 616 retail locations under contract, indicating strong momentum in its expansion efforts [6] Market Opportunity - There is a significant market opportunity in Quebec due to the absence of a clear category leader, allowing Happy Belly to capitalize on its first mover advantage [4] - The demand for Heal Wellness's offerings, such as clean smoothies and açaí bowls, is rising, which is expected to drive brand growth in the new market [4][6] Strategic Partnerships - Happy Belly has partnered with experienced Quebec-based area developers to support the rollout of Heal Wellness and Yolks Breakfast brands, enhancing its operational capabilities in the province [4][6] - The expertise of the partners, who have over 22 years of experience in launching and supporting both corporate and franchised operations, is crucial for ensuring Heal's success in Quebec [4]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed a franchise agreement for a new Heal Wellness location in Calgary's Britannia neighborhood, marking the 7th location in Calgary and the 10th in Alberta, as part of a 15-unit expansion plan across the province [1][3][4] - The new location is expected to open in Q4 of this year, alongside several other stores currently under construction, indicating strong growth momentum for Heal Wellness and the broader Happy Belly portfolio [3][4] - Heal Wellness is positioned as Canada's first national smoothie bowl brand, with increasing brand awareness and loyalty across new markets, supported by a robust franchise system [4][8] Company Expansion - The company has secured 195 units for Heal Wellness under development agreements across Alberta, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, setting the stage for continued expansion [8] - Happy Belly's portfolio includes 616 retail locations under contract, with a focus on disciplined growth through strategic partnerships and prime real estate selection [9] - The company emphasizes a blend of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to drive measurable results and reinforce brand scalability [4][9] Market Positioning - The new Britannia location is strategically chosen for its mix of residential and commercial areas, ensuring a steady flow of customers seeking healthy dining options [5] - The community's health-conscious demographic aligns well with Heal Wellness's menu offerings, which include smoothie bowls and superfood ingredients [5][10] - The company's asset-light approach and strong franchise engagement are seen as key factors in unlocking value for stakeholders and signaling long-term growth potential [4][9]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced the opening of its 8th corporate store for the Heal Wellness brand in downtown Oakville, Ontario, focusing on fresh smoothie bowls and smoothies [1][3] - The company emphasizes a disciplined organic growth model, utilizing free cash flow to enhance growth and maximize shareholder returns [3][5] - Heal Wellness is rapidly gaining national brand recognition, establishing itself as Canada's first coast-to-coast smoothie bowl brand with 195 units secured through national development agreements [5] Company Strategy - The company is committed to a balanced approach between corporate and franchised locations to expand its national footprint [3][5] - The strategic location in downtown Oakville is expected to attract a health-conscious demographic, aligning with Heal's offerings [3] - Happy Belly's broader portfolio includes 616 contractually committed retail locations across various stages of development, construction, and operation [5] Market Position - Heal Wellness is building strong momentum with a consistent flow of franchise agreements and strategic real estate acquisitions nationwide [3][5] - The brand is cultivating customer loyalty and enhancing brand awareness, reinforcing its long-term vision and franchise model [5] - The company aims to create sustained and predictable growth across its brand ecosystem through 2026 and beyond [5]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has secured an exclusive supply agreement with Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited, designating Coca-Cola as its preferred beverage partner for all brands in its portfolio [1][2] - This partnership is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce food costs, and streamline inventory management across multiple locations [2][4] - The agreement marks the third national partnership for Happy Belly, following previous agreements with Sysco and TOAST, indicating ongoing growth and expanding scale for the company [3][4] Group 1 - The partnership with Coca-Cola allows Happy Belly to leverage Coca-Cola's buying power and national account benefits, ensuring consistent access to high-volume products at competitive prices [2][3] - Coca-Cola's reliable supply chain support is anticipated to minimize stock shortages and improve forecasting and planning capabilities for Happy Belly [2] - The company aims to become Canada's leading restaurant consolidator by emphasizing operational discipline and brand scalability [4] Group 2 - Happy Belly's previous partnership with Sysco, established on January 17, 2025, has enabled the company to leverage consolidated purchasing power and improve service quality across its franchise network [3] - The multi-year partnership with TOAST, secured on April 4, 2025, provides advanced Point-of-Sale, loyalty, and analytics solutions to support Happy Belly's diverse portfolio [3] - The company is focused on creating long-term shareholder value and building a high-performance platform of emerging restaurant brands [4]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has expanded its Yolks Breakfast franchise portfolio by signing a fourth franchise agreement and securing a new location in Chilliwack, British Columbia, marking its tenth overall location [1][4]. Company Expansion - The new agreement represents the fifth Yolks location in British Columbia and the eighth in Western Canada, highlighting the company's franchising expertise and growth strategy [4]. - Happy Belly's portfolio now includes 616 retail locations across Canada under Multi-Unit and Area Development Agreements, indicating a strong pipeline for future growth [8]. Market Opportunity - The breakfast sector within the restaurant industry is experiencing significant growth, which the company aims to capitalize on through its acquisition of Yolks [4]. - Chilliwack is identified as an ideal location for the new restaurant due to its population growth, diverse demographics, and strong economy [4]. Strategic Approach - The company employs an asset-light strategy that has garnered increasing interest from franchisees and landlords nationwide, contributing to its expansion efforts [5]. - Happy Belly's disciplined growth model has successfully expanded other brands like Extreme Pita and Mucho Burrito to over 400 locations, reinforcing its operational discipline and brand scalability [5][8].

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced the expansion of an existing franchisee's portfolio with a new Franchise Agreement for Rosie's Burgers, marking a significant step in their growth strategy [1][5] - The new location in Abbotsford, British Columbia, is strategically chosen due to the city's strong population growth and diverse demographics, which are expected to drive consumer demand [3][5] - Happy Belly's overall strategy includes securing high-quality real estate and aligning with experienced partners to support rapid expansion across Canada [7] Company Expansion - The company currently has 115 Rosie's locations secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across various provinces, indicating a robust growth trajectory [5] - Happy Belly's portfolio has expanded to 616 retail locations across Canada, which includes stores in development, under construction, and already operating [7] - The dual expansion strategy combines franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforcing the company's commitment to scaling Rosie's Burgers [5][7] Market Positioning - Rosie's Burgers is positioned as a differentiated player in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape, focusing on a compelling guest experience and high product quality [5] - The brand aims to become Canada's leading smash burger brand, leveraging its proven track record and strong franchise system [5][7] - The evolving food scene in Abbotsford, supported by a community that values quality and local offerings, is seen as a fertile ground for Rosie's Burgers to thrive [3]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Rosie's Burgers in Edmonton's Brewery District, marking the second franchise for this location [1][4] - The new location is strategically positioned near McEwan University, which has over 19,000 students, enhancing visibility and access to a diverse customer base [4][5] - The company has secured 115 Rosie's locations under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across various provinces in Canada, indicating a robust expansion strategy [7][8] Company Expansion Strategy - The expansion into Edmonton's Brewery District is part of a national rollout strategy aimed at establishing a presence in key urban markets [4] - The company is focused on a dual expansion strategy that combines franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforcing its commitment to accelerate Rosie's development [8][10] - Happy Belly's portfolio has rapidly scaled to 616 retail locations secured across Canada, demonstrating a consistent pipeline growth through partnerships and high-quality real estate [10] Market Positioning - Rosie's Burgers is gaining momentum as a standout concept in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, attributed to its strong consumer appeal and product excellence [5][8] - The company aims to become Canada's leading smash burger brand, leveraging its proven track record and high-performing franchise model [8][10] - The strategic location of the new franchise in a culturally rich area with high foot traffic is expected to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement [4][5]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced the signing of a second franchise agreement for Rosie's Burgers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, indicating continued expansion in Atlantic Canada [1][4][10] - The company emphasizes the strength and scalability of its franchise model, with 115 Rosie's locations secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across various provinces [6][7] - The Halifax location is strategically chosen due to its demographic mix, economic stability, and vibrant culinary culture, making it an ideal market for the Rosie's brand [10][11] Company Expansion Strategy - The company is focused on a dual expansion strategy that combines franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforcing its commitment to accelerate Rosie's development [7][9] - Happy Belly is actively securing real estate opportunities and has more agreements in the pipeline, showcasing a robust growth trajectory [4][9] - The franchise support system includes comprehensive training and resources, which has led to a growing number of multi-unit operators, validating the brand's trust and momentum [6][9] Market Positioning - Rosie's Burgers is positioned as a category leader in Canada, recognized for quality and exceptional guest experience, with a strong market demand reflected in the continued signing of franchise agreements [4][7] - The brand aims to become Canada's leading smash burger brand, leveraging its proven track record and high-performing franchise model [7][9] - Halifax's youthful population, driven by major universities, and high year-round foot traffic due to tourism, provide a strong consumer base for the fast-casual dining segment [10][11]

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2025) -  It is with profound sadness that Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") announces the passing of our Chief Financial Officer, Gary Fung.Gary was a respected member of our executive team, a dedicated colleague to all Happy Belly team members, and just an outstanding person. Gary's extensive knowledge, commitment to excellence, and strategic mindset greatly contributed to the progress and success of Happy B ...

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has successfully secured a real estate location for its Heal Wellness franchise in Grand Prairie, Alberta, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy [1][3] - The company aims to establish Heal Wellness as the leading acai bowl and smoothie brand in Canada, with a focus on organic growth and strategic acquisitions [3][5] - Heal Wellness has signed its 50th franchise agreement and is on track to open the new location in Q4 2025, reflecting strong demand and brand recognition [3][5] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. specializes in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada, with a current portfolio of 616 contractually committed retail locations [9][5] - The company emphasizes a scalable, asset-light expansion model, which is designed to create long-term value for shareholders [5][3] Market Opportunity - Grande Prairie, Alberta is identified as a promising market for Heal Wellness due to its youthful, health-conscious population and limited competition in the health-focused fast-casual sector [6] - The city has a population nearing 70,000 and is experiencing steady economic growth, making it an ideal location for wellness-oriented food concepts [6] Brand Development - Heal Wellness is rapidly gaining national brand recognition and aims to be Canada's first coast-to-coast smoothie bowl brand, enhancing customer loyalty and visibility [5][3] - The brand offers a diverse range of fresh wellness foods, including smoothie bowls and smoothies, crafted with high-quality superfood ingredients [7]