Happy Belly Food Group Portfolio Company Yolks Breakfast Promotes Christoph Barrow to Brand President

Rhea-AI Summary

Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) promoted Christoph Barrow to Brand President of Yolks Breakfast, effective immediately, to lead the brand's expansion. Management cites increased franchisee and landlord interest and a growing 2026 openings pipeline. Happy Belly reports 666 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio and development agreements in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.

The move positions Yolks to scale franchise growth under dedicated leadership as the company pursues multi‑unit operator demand in 2026.

Positive

• Christoph Barrow promoted to Brand President to lead Yolks growth
• 666 contractually committed retail locations across Happy Belly portfolio
• Development agreements in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada
• 2026 openings pipeline building with increased franchisee and landlord interest

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – HBFGF

+1.33%

1 alert

+1.33% News Effect

On the day this news was published, HBFGF gained 1.33%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 9, 2026) - 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 promotion of Christoph Barrow to Brand President of Yolks Breakfast ("Yolks"), effective immediately. Yolks is a boutique restaurant brand serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

Happy Belly 1

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"Yolks is hitting a true inflection point this year as interest from franchisees and landlords has stepped up materially, and our pipeline of 2026 openings is building quickly," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Promoting Christoph to Brand President is a natural step as we lean into the brand's growth cycle. With Christoph stepping into the role of Brand President, we have the leadership in place to capitalize on that demand and drive the next chapter of growth."

Yolks has development agreements already in place across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada with continued demand from experienced multi-unit operators. Happy Belly now has 666 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio of emerging restaurant brands, reinforcing its position as one of Canada's fastest-growing multi-brand restaurant companies.

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

About Yolks Breakfast
Chef Steve Ewing is a strong proponent of breakfast - it's his favourite meal of the day - which is why its so important to him and why he takes so much care and puts so much effort into its menu. Not only are the eggs free-range, but the bacon is local and the hollandaise isn't some quickie version, but the real deal, just one fast whisking away from le Cordon Bleu. Even the Dijon is made in-house!

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. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others.

Happy Belly 2

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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/283166

FAQ

What does Christoph Barrow's promotion to Brand President mean for Yolks (HBFGF)?

It signals dedicated leadership to scale the Yolks brand and execute expansion plans. According to the company, the promotion is intended to capitalize on rising franchisee and landlord interest and manage the brand's growth cycle across Canada in 2026.

How many committed retail locations does Happy Belly report on February 9, 2026 (HBFGF)?

Happy Belly reports 666 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio. According to the company, this figure underscores portfolio scale and supports Yolks' expansion as development agreements exist in multiple Canadian provinces.

Where does Happy Belly have development agreements for Yolks as of February 9, 2026 (HBFGF)?

Development agreements are in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. According to the company, these agreements reflect franchise interest and support a growing pipeline of 2026 openings by experienced multi‑unit operators.

Will the promotion affect Yolks' 2026 openings pipeline for HBFGF shareholders?

The promotion is positioned to accelerate execution of the 2026 openings pipeline. According to the company, placing dedicated leadership atop the brand aims to convert increased franchisee and landlord interest into concrete new locations.

How does Happy Belly describe franchisee interest in Yolks for 2026 (HBFGF)?

Happy Belly describes franchisee and landlord interest as having stepped up materially for 2026. According to the company, this heightened interest has contributed to a rapidly building pipeline of planned openings led by multi‑unit operators.