Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2026) - Restart Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: HEAL) (FSE: HN30) (OTC Pink: NMLSF) ("Restart Life" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has successfully closed the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Holy Crap Foods Inc. ("Holy Crap") pursuant to the definitive agreement dated February 12, 2026, among the Company, Happy Belly Coffee Inc., a subsidiary of Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG), an ...

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has successfully completed the sale of its subsidiary Holy Crap Foods for $1,000,000 CAD in cash, plus working capital adjustments, converting a non-core asset into cash to support its core restaurant growth strategy [1][2][3] Financial Summary - The sale of Holy Crap Foods reflects an estimated 10x EBITDA sale multiple for the business, providing the company with added flexibility to fund near-term store openings and franchise expansion [2][3] Strategic Focus - The company aims to prioritize QSR-led growth and franchising, focusing on brands like Rosie's Burgers, Heal Wellness, Via Cibo, iQ Food Co., and Yolks Breakfast as it builds momentum through 2026 [2][3] Leadership Changes - Matt Appleby has been appointed to the Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory matters [4][5][6] - Kevin Cole has resigned from the Board to facilitate this appointment, with appreciation expressed for his contributions during his tenure [7]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. announces the grand opening of a new Heal Wellness location in Oakville, Ontario, on February 21, 2026, expanding its presence in the quick-service restaurant sector focused on health-conscious offerings [1][3]. Company Expansion - The new Heal Wellness location is strategically situated in a high-traffic area, benefiting from strong visibility and consistent demand throughout the day [3][4]. - Heal Wellness has rapidly expanded, with 33 locations currently open and over 175 more in development, reinforcing its position as a leading brand in the acai and smoothie bowl market [5]. Business Strategy - The company emphasizes a disciplined growth strategy, with a total of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across various emerging brands [5]. - The partnership with experienced franchisee David Lamph for this new location is expected to enhance operational success, as he has a proven track record in restaurant management [3][5]. Product Offering - Heal Wellness specializes in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, focusing on clean ingredients that cater to a health-oriented lifestyle [1][8]. - The menu is designed to attract repeat customers with functional, grab-and-go options available from morning to evening [4].

Core Viewpoint - Restart Life Sciences Corp. has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Holy Crap Foods Inc. for $1,000,000 in cash, aligning with its strategy to develop health-focused consumer brands [1][3][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes all issued and outstanding shares of Holy Crap and its British Columbia-based manufacturing facility [3][4]. - The purchase price is set at $1,000,000, subject to customary working capital adjustments [3]. - The closing of the acquisition is anticipated to occur within the next ten business days, pending customary closing conditions [2]. Group 2: Strategic Alignment - The acquisition is expected to enhance Restart Life's portfolio by adding a well-established brand with existing revenue and manufacturing capabilities [4][6]. - Management aims to maintain Holy Crap's operations while exploring opportunities for expansion and product development [5][6]. Group 3: Company Background - Holy Crap Foods Inc. is known for its premium breakfast products, including gluten-free, non-GMO, and high-fiber cereals, which support digestive wellness [7]. - Restart Life Sciences Corp. is a Canadian-based life sciences company listed on the CSE, focusing on health-oriented consumer brands [8].

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. announces the grand opening of a new Heal Wellness location in Grande Prairie, Alberta, on February 14, 2026, expanding its presence in the quick-service restaurant sector focused on health-conscious offerings [1][3]. Company Expansion - The new Heal Wellness location is situated in the South 40 Shopping Centre, a retail hub with strong vehicle traffic and a mix of national retailers, which is expected to drive customer visits [3]. - Heal Wellness has rapidly expanded, now operating 32 locations with over 176 more in development, contributing to Happy Belly's portfolio of 666 retail franchise locations across various emerging brands [4]. Market Positioning - Heal Wellness specializes in fresh smoothie bowls and smoothies, emphasizing clean ingredients and a health-oriented lifestyle, which aligns with the growing consumer demand for convenient, health-forward food options [1][7]. - The company aims to establish Heal as a leading brand in the açaí and smoothie bowl market across Canada and the U.S., leveraging high-visibility sites for franchise partners [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has successfully executed a definitive agreement for the sale of Holy Crap Foods for $1,000,000 CAD, which will allow the company to unlock value and reinvest in its QSR portfolio, focusing on higher margins and return on invested capital (ROIC) [1][2]. Financial Transaction - The sale of Holy Crap Foods is valued at $1,000,000 CAD in cash, plus working capital adjustments, with the transaction expected to close within ten business days, subject to customary closing conditions [1]. - The sale price represents an estimated 10 times EBITDA for the Holy Crap business, indicating significant growth from a previously loss-making operation [2]. Strategic Focus - The company aims to redeploy the proceeds from the sale into its QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) portfolio, where it has a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing brands [2]. - The CEO emphasized a disciplined approach to capital deployment, with a clear focus on ROIC and acting opportunistically to realize value from non-core assets [2]. Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is recognized as a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada [4].

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has promoted Christoph Barrow to Brand President of Yolks Breakfast, indicating a strategic move to enhance leadership as the brand enters a growth phase [1][3] - The company is experiencing increased interest from franchisees and landlords, with a rapidly building pipeline of openings for 2026 [3] - Happy Belly currently has 666 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio, positioning it as one of Canada's fastest-growing multi-brand restaurant companies [3] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. specializes in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands, with a portfolio that includes Yolks Breakfast, Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, and Via Cibo Italian Street Food [6] - The company emphasizes quality in its offerings, such as free-range eggs and locally sourced bacon, reflecting a commitment to high standards in food preparation [5] Leadership and Growth Strategy - Sean Black, CEO of Happy Belly, highlighted the importance of Christoph Barrow's promotion as a natural step to leverage the brand's growth cycle and capitalize on increasing demand [3][4] - The company has established development agreements across multiple Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, indicating a broad expansion strategy [3]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed a franchise agreement for a new Yolks Breakfast location in Langley, British Columbia, marking its fifth location in the province and eleven nationwide [1][3][4] - The breakfast segment is identified as one of the fastest-growing areas in the restaurant industry, and Happy Belly aims to leverage this momentum through its franchising model [3][4] - The company has secured a total of 666 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio, reinforcing its position as a rapidly growing multi-brand restaurant company in Canada [4] Company Expansion - The new Yolks Breakfast location in Langley is part of a broader expansion strategy, with strong interest from franchisees and landlords across Canada [3][4] - The company recently opened its sixth location in Montreal and has secured fifty-one Area Development agreements nationwide, indicating robust national momentum [4] - Happy Belly's asset-light franchising model is designed to enhance return on invested capital and protect unit economics for franchise partners [4] Market Opportunity - Langley is characterized as one of Metro Vancouver's fastest-growing communities, with a demographic that aligns well with the Yolks brand, making it an attractive market for expansion [3][4] - The company emphasizes the importance of smart real estate choices to shorten buildouts and improve profitability for franchisees [4] - The breakfast category's dynamic growth presents a significant opportunity for Happy Belly to capitalize on its recent acquisitions and franchising efforts [4]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has announced the opening of a new Heal Wellness location at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Spadina Avenue in downtown Toronto, with construction starting immediately and a planned opening in spring 2026 [1][3] Company Expansion - Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls and smoothies, focusing on clean ingredients and a health-conscious lifestyle [1][4] - The new location will be operated by an experienced multi-unit franchisee, marking their sixth secured location, which aligns with Heal's asset-light growth strategy [1][3] - Heal Wellness currently has 31 locations open and over 177 in development, contributing to Happy Belly's portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across various emerging brands [5] Market Positioning - The Bloor & Spadina area is characterized by high pedestrian traffic, a health-conscious demographic, and proximity to major post-secondary institutions, making it an ideal location for Heal Wellness [3][4] - The brand's positioning is supported by a scalable format and strong unit economics, allowing for deeper penetration in the Greater Toronto Area and other urban markets [4][5]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has opened its first Yolks Breakfast location in Quebec, marking a significant milestone for the company and the brand [1][3] - The company has a commitment to open a total of twenty-six Yolks locations across Quebec, indicating strong growth potential in the region [1][5] - The new restaurant is strategically located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, a high-traffic area, catering to families, professionals, and students [3][5] Company Strategy - The opening reflects Happy Belly's disciplined real estate strategy and asset-light franchising model, focusing on securing prime locations to enhance return on invested capital [5] - Quebec is identified as a key growth market for Happy Belly, with Yolks positioned to become a leading breakfast brand in the province [5] - The company has secured a total of 666 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio, reinforcing its status as one of Canada's fastest-growing multi-brand restaurant companies [5] Brand Development - Yolks Breakfast is characterized by a chef-driven menu that emphasizes quality ingredients, such as free-range eggs and locally sourced bacon [8] - The brand has already established franchise agreements in multiple provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, showcasing national momentum [5]