Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness QSR Announces the Signing of a Franchise Agreement for Collingwood, Ontario

Rhea-AI Summary

Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced the signing of a new franchise agreement for its Heal Wellness QSR brand in Collingwood, Ontario. Heal Wellness, specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, currently operates 27 locations with an additional 168 locations in the development pipeline.

The company's broader portfolio includes 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across all brands, including those in development, under construction, or already operational. Happy Belly aims to expand this pipeline significantly during the latter half of 2025 and 2026, positioning Heal Wellness to become North America's leading smoothie bowl chain.

Positive

• Strong expansion pipeline with 168 Heal Wellness locations under development
• Large franchise network with 626 total committed retail locations across all brands
• Strategic expansion into new market (Collingwood, Ontario)

Negative

• None.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce that Heal Wellness has signed a franchise agreement for the Collingwood area of Ontario. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies.

Happy Belly 1

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"Our focus for Heal in 2025 & 2026 is organic growth and expanding our footprint to become the leading smoothie bowl chain in North America, both in size and unit economics. Collingwood is another step forward for the brand," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "We have 27 Heal locations open today with another 168 in the development pipeline so we are just getting started growing Heal."

Happy Belly 2

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"We currently have 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations from area developers across all emerging brands in the Happy Belly Food Group portfolio including those in development, under construction or already open. We are working to actively expand this pipeline significantly in the back half of 2025 & 2026 with our disciplined approach to growth.

"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.

About Heal Wellness
Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.

Franchising
For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.

About Happy Belly Food Group
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada.

Happy Belly 3

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Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
www: www.happybellyfg.com or email hello@happybellyfg.com
If you wish to contact us please call: 1-877-589-8805

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266385

FAQ

How many Heal Wellness locations does Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) currently operate?

Happy Belly Food Group currently operates 27 Heal Wellness locations, with an additional 168 locations in the development pipeline.

What is the total number of franchise locations committed to Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF)?

Happy Belly Food Group has 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across all its brands, including those in development, under construction, or already open.

What type of food does Heal Wellness QSR serve?

Heal Wellness is a quick-service restaurant specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies.

Where is the new Heal Wellness franchise location being opened by Happy Belly Food Group?

The new Heal Wellness franchise location will be opened in Collingwood, Ontario.

What are Happy Belly Food Group's expansion plans for Heal Wellness in 2025 and 2026?

Happy Belly Food Group plans to focus on organic growth and expanding their footprint with the goal of becoming the leading smoothie bowl chain in North America, both in size and unit economics.