HAPPY BELLY FOOD GRP INC - HBFGF STOCK NEWS

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG, OTCQB: VGANF) has announced the signing of its 43rd franchise and 3rd real-estate location for its Heal Wellness brand in Calgary's Bridgeland area. This marks the 5th location out of a planned 10 in Alberta. The Bridgeland site is expected to open in Q4 2024, benefiting from high foot traffic and a supportive local business environment. The rapid franchise growth highlights the success of Happy Belly's franchising model, offering comprehensive training and resources to franchisees, and aims to expand to non-traditional locations like universities and airports.

Happy Belly Food Group has announced the signing of a new franchisee for Rosie's Burgers in Burlington, Ontario. This marks the sixth location for the boutique QSR brand, which specializes in smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, and milkshakes. Burlington was chosen for its high visibility, accessibility, and vibrant dining scene, making it an ideal location for expansion. This is the first of 30 planned units for Rosie's in Ontario. The franchise expansion aligns with Happy Belly's growth strategy, leveraging their asset-light franchise model to maximize value and ensure a prosperous future for shareholders.

Happy Belly Food Group has signed its 42nd franchise agreement for its Heal Wellness brand in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The brand, known for fresh smoothie bowls and acai bowls, has been expanding rapidly, with many franchises already in construction or looking for retail locations. Chief Investment Officer Sean Black attributes this growth to their effective franchise program, which supports franchisees through a proven business model. The company is also exploring expansion into diverse locations such as universities and airports, aiming for national growth.

Happy Belly Food Group announces the signing of a second franchisee and real estate lease for Rosie's Burgers in Calgary, Alberta. This follows their first Rosie's franchise in Calgary secured on June 26, 2024. The new location in Bridgeland, a vibrant area known for its blend of historic charm and modern development, is expected to attract diverse food enthusiasts. This expansion is part of a broader strategy, with commitments for 20 units across Alberta. Happy Belly aims to leverage its franchising experience to accelerate growth, replicating past successes with brands like Extreme Pita and Mucho Burrito.

Happy Belly Food Group has successfully closed a private placement with K2 & Associates, a Toronto-based hedge fund, raising $2 million through the issuance of 2,000 convertible debentures. Each debenture is worth $1,000, carries a 12% annual interest rate, and matures in three years. Investors can convert debentures to common shares at $0.75 per share, with additional conversion provisions if shares trade above $1.50. The funds will bolster Happy Belly's balance sheet and support both organic and inorganic growth strategies, including material M&A opportunities. No finder's fees were incurred.

Happy Belly Food Group, under the stock symbol HBFGF, has announced the signing of its first franchisee and real-estate lease for Rosie's Burgers in Calgary, Alberta. Located at a prime spot on 17th Avenue, this move marks their second brand in this bustling area, known for high foot traffic and diverse clientele. This new location is part of a larger plan to open 20 units in Alberta. The company aims for possession in Q3 and opening in Q4 of this year. Happy Belly aims to grow through an asset-light franchise model, having previously expanded brands like Extreme Pita and Mucho Burrito to over 400 locations.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG, OTCQB: HBFGF) announced the signing of their third Heal Wellness location in Toronto, marking the second franchise for David Lamph following the successful opening of the Beaches location on March 15. The new location will be at St. Clair and Bathurst, sharing space with Philosophy Fitness, and is expected to open in Q3. This expansion aims to cater to health-conscious gym-goers. Additionally, Happy Belly completed the issuance of 96,153 shares at $0.39 each to former CFO Dean Callaway as severance on May 13, 2024.

Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) announced a 26-unit area development agreement for its Yolks Breakfast brand in Quebec as of June 14, 2024. This expansion marks Happy Belly's entry into its fourth operational province in Canada. The company has shown strong growth momentum since acquiring Yolks, previously signing a 25-unit agreement in Ontario. The new Quebec partners have extensive experience in successful franchise operations, including breakfast brands. This agreement brings the total contracted units for Yolks to 51 across two provinces. Happy Belly now has commitments for 326 franchised units across seven brands in Canada, following a proven asset-light franchise model.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG, OTCQB: HBFGF) has secured a new real estate location for its Heal Wellness brand on 17th Avenue in Calgary, Alberta. This location, known for its high foot traffic and vibrant atmosphere, will be Heal's fifth site in Alberta, with plans for 20 more. The new store will offer fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, targeting health-conscious consumers. Happy Belly expects possession in Q2 and an opening in the fall. The company aims to leverage its franchising experience to accelerate growth and expand Heal's customer base through in-store and delivery services.