Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 12, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is pleased to announce the grand opening of Heal Wellness ("Heal") in the Toronto Eaton Centre, one of the busiest and most visited retail destinations in North America. This opening marks a major milestone for the brand as it officially becomes Heal's 30th operating location nationwide. Heal We ...

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. announces the grand opening of a new Heal Wellness location in Calgary, Alberta, marking the brand's 6th location in Calgary and 9th in Alberta, contributing to its expansion in Western Canada [1][3][4] Expansion and Growth - Heal Wellness currently operates 28 locations and has over 168 in development, indicating strong growth potential within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector focused on wellness [4][5] - The new location in Bridgeland is strategically positioned to attract a diverse customer base, including young professionals, families, and health-conscious consumers, enhancing Heal's market presence [3][4] Business Model and Strategy - The company emphasizes a scalable, asset-light growth model, partnering with strong local operators to maximize the brand's reach in high-quality trade areas [3][4] - The multi-unit franchisee in Calgary is committed to expanding their Heal portfolio, aiming for a total of 15 units, showcasing the brand's attractive unit economics [3][4] Brand Positioning - Heal Wellness aims to establish itself as a leading smoothie bowl and wellness QSR brand in Western Canada, focusing on fresh, energizing food options that cater to busy lifestyles [3][8] - The brand prides itself on using high-quality superfood ingredients in its offerings, which include smoothie bowls and smoothies designed to support active lifestyles [8]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed a new franchise agreement and secured real estate for Heal Wellness in Airdrie, Alberta, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy across Alberta [1][2]. Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada [10]. - Heal Wellness specializes in quick-service restaurant offerings, focusing on fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies [1][8]. Expansion Strategy - The new location in Airdrie is strategically chosen due to the city's rapid population growth, strong family demographics, and health-conscious residents, making it an ideal market for Heal Wellness [2][4]. - Heal Wellness is accelerating its coast-to-coast expansion, currently operating 27 locations with over 168 in development, contributing to a total of 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio [6]. Market Position - Airdrie is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, providing access to a robust consumer base, including commuters, families, and young professionals seeking nutritious dining options [4]. - Heal Wellness aims to support busy lifestyles by offering quick, fresh wellness foods enriched with superfoods, aligning with the growing demand for health-focused dining options [6][8].

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness has secured a new franchise location in South Surrey, British Columbia, marking the fourth location under a 10-unit agreement with an experienced multi-unit operator [1][3][4] - The new location is set to open in early 2026 and will focus on health-forward food concepts, particularly smoothie bowls and smoothies, catering to a lifestyle-oriented community [3][4] - The company currently has 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio, with plans to expand significantly in 2025 and 2026 [7] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada [11] - Heal Wellness specializes in quick-service restaurant offerings, including a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies made with superfood ingredients [9] - The company emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships with franchise operators to enhance its national footprint and accelerate growth [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has secured its first location for the Heal Wellness brand on Vancouver Island, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy under a multi-unit franchise agreement for five stores [1][3][4]. Company Expansion - The first Heal Wellness location will be at University Heights Shopping Centre, with construction set to begin in Q1 2026 [1]. - The company currently has 616 retail locations under contract, indicating a robust franchise pipeline and disciplined growth objectives through 2026 [6]. Market Fit - Vancouver Island's demographics align well with Heal Wellness's offerings, which focus on clean, healthy, and convenient food options [4]. - The region's health-conscious population and active outdoor lifestyle create a prime market for Heal Wellness's smoothie and açaí bowl products [4]. Brand Vision - The company aims to establish Heal Wellness as the leading acai bowl and smoothie brand in Canada, leveraging its franchise support system and strong operator partnerships [4][6].

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 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].

Core Viewpoint - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has made significant progress in expanding its franchise operations, particularly with the Heal Wellness brand, by securing a prime real estate location in Charlottetown, PEI, and signing multiple franchise agreements across Canada [1][3][5]. Company Developments - The company has signed a franchisee for the province of Prince Edward Island and secured a location in Charlottetown, with plans to open in late Q3 2025 [1][3]. - The franchisee is an experienced operator who currently owns Lettuce Love Café and HEAL Wellness in Hamilton [1]. - Happy Belly has announced an area development agreement for Heal in Atlantic Canada and is ready to begin construction for the new location [3]. Growth Strategy - Happy Belly aims to accelerate growth through organic development and targeted acquisitions, with a focus on expanding the Heal Wellness brand as a national smoothie bowl brand [5]. - The company currently has 551 retail franchise locations contractually committed across its portfolio, which includes locations in planning, under construction, or already in operation [5]. - The company is actively working to grow its pipeline into 2025 and 2026 by aligning with the right partners and securing high-quality real estate [5].