Happy Belly Food Group Announces Secured Real Estate for Heal Wellness in Toronto's Eaton Center

Rhea-AI Summary

Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) announced a signed franchise agreement and secured premium real estate for Heal Wellness at Toronto's Eaton Centre on October 23, 2025. The Eaton Centre location sits in one of Canada’s highest-traffic retail hubs, which the release says attracts more than 50 million annual visitors. Heal Wellness currently has 27 locations open and over 168 in development.

Happy Belly reports 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio, positioning the company to expand Heal Wellness and other brands in Cadillac Fairview properties nationwide.

Positive

• Prime Eaton Centre lease secured in Toronto high-traffic mall
• 50M+ annual visitors to Eaton Centre cited for strong foot traffic
• 27 Heal locations open, demonstrating operating footprint
• 168 Heal locations in development indicating pipeline growth
• 626 contractually committed franchise locations across portfolio

Negative

• None.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 23, 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 signing of a new franchise agreement and the securing of premium real estate for Heal Wellness ("Heal") in the iconic Toronto Eaton Centre, one of Canada's busiest shopping destinations as we further expand our presence in Cadillac Fairview properties across Canada. Heal Wellness is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies.

Happy Belly 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/271595_fd9e5ebb74ff1a5f_002full.jpg

"This marks Heal's entry into one of the country's most high-profile and high-traffic retail destinations," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. The location's exceptional visibility and diverse foot traffic align perfectly with Heal's mission of making healthy, fresh, and convenient wellness foods accessible to Canadians coast to coast."

"Located in Toronto's bustling downtown core, the Eaton Centre attracts more than 50 million annual visitors-a dynamic mix of residents, professionals, students, and tourists. This new Heal Wellness location is positioned to capitalize on the Centre's unmatched visibility and steady flow of foot traffic, while serving a diverse customer base seeking premium, better-for-you dining options in a fast-casual environment."

This announcement follows a string of recent expansion milestones for Happy Belly across multiple provinces, reinforcing its mission to become Canada's leading restaurant consolidator.

Happy Belly 2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/271595_fd9e5ebb74ff1a5f_003full.jpg

Heal Wellness continues to accelerate its coast-to-coast expansion, solidifying its growing position as Canada's leading smoothie bowl and wellness QSR brand. Founded with a mission to deliver quick, fresh wellness foods that support busy, active lifestyles, Heal Wellness offers a diverse range of smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls-all crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods such as açaí, pitaya, goji berries, and chia seeds. With 27 locations currently open and over 168 in development, Heal Wellness continues to gain nationwide momentum through consistent franchise growth and strategic real estate execution, contributing to Happy Belly Food Group's total of 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio of emerging brands-including Heal Wellness, iQ Food Co., Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others-now in various stages of development, construction, and operation nationwide.

"Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and create long-term value for our shareholders."

"We are just getting started," added 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

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/271595_fd9e5ebb74ff1a5f_004full.jpg

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/271595

FAQ

What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce on October 23, 2025 about Heal Wellness?

Happy Belly announced a franchise agreement and secured prime retail space for Heal Wellness at Toronto's Eaton Centre.

How many Heal Wellness locations does Happy Belly report as open and in development (HBFGF)?

The release states Heal Wellness has 27 locations open and over 168 in development.

How many total franchise locations has Happy Belly contractually committed (HBFGF)?

Happy Belly reports a total of 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio.

Why is the Eaton Centre location significant for Heal Wellness and HBFGF investors?

The Eaton Centre is described as a high-visibility, high-traffic retail hub with more than 50 million annual visitors, which could increase customer exposure for Heal Wellness.

Does the announcement specify financial results or revenue guidance for HBFGF?

No—there are no financial results, revenue figures, or guidance included in the announcement.

Where is Happy Belly expanding its brands besides the Eaton Centre (HBFGF)?

The company notes expansion across Cadillac Fairview properties and multiple provinces nationwide as it grows its franchise portfolio.