Happy Belly Food Group's Ghost Taco Brand Signs 50-Unit Area Development Agreement for Western Canada
Happy Belly expands Ghost Taco with a 50-unit Western Canada deal, extending the franchise pipeline to a company-expected minimum of 100 locations.
Rhea-AI Summary
Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) signed a 50‑unit area development agreement for its Ghost Taco brand in Western Canada, covering 25 franchised locations in Alberta and 25 in British Columbia.
The agreement appoints seasoned QSR developer Stephen Travers as Area Developer for both provinces. Travers brings over 23 years of quick-service restaurant experience and has developed more than 170 restaurants, including roles with Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito and Via Cibo. Happy Belly continues to pursue an asset‑light, franchise‑driven growth strategy by partnering with experienced operators. Combined with an existing Ontario area development agreement and current sites, the Ghost Taco development pipeline is expected by the company to reach a minimum of 100 locations across Canada.
Positive
- 50-unit area development agreement signed for Western Canada (25 Alberta, 25 BC)
- Appointment of Area Developer with 23+ years QSR experience and 170+ restaurants developed
- Ghost Taco development pipeline expected to reach a minimum of 100 locations across Canada
- Expansion aligned with Happy Belly’s asset-light franchise growth model
Negative
- None.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 16, 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 that it has signed a 50-unit area development agreement for Western Canada for Ghost Taco, consisting of 25 units in Alberta and 25 units in British Columbia. The agreement provides for the development of new franchised Ghost Taco locations throughout both provinces and represents a significant milestone in the Company's plans to accelerate the growth of the brand in Western Canada.
GHOST Taco 1
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"Western Canada represents a significant opportunity for Ghost Taco," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "We have signed seasoned QSR developer Stephen Travers as our Area Developer for Alberta and British Columbia, two markets where he has already demonstrated an exceptional ability to build and scale restaurant brands. Stephen brings more than 23 years of QSR experience and has developed more than 170 restaurants throughout his career. He was the first-ever Extreme Pita franchisee and later became the first Area Developer for Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito and Via Cibo."
"Stephen has been a key development partner for us across multiple brands, and his track record throughout Western Canada speaks for itself", added Sean Black. "Having successfully worked alongside me to build Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito, Heal Wellness and Rosie's Burgers across Western Canada, the decision to bring Stephen onboard to help with the expansion of Ghost Taco a very easy one. He knows these markets, understands the franchise landscape and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to turn development plans into operating restaurants. We see a significant opportunity for Ghost Taco across Western Canada, and Stephen's proven history of execution gives us tremendous confidence in our ability to replicate the success we have achieved together with previous brands."
GHOST Taco 2
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Happy Belly's growth strategy continues to focus on partnering with experienced operators and area developers to expand its portfolio of emerging restaurant brands through an asset-light franchise model. The Company believes this approach provides a scalable path to growth while leveraging the operating experience, infrastructure and local market knowledge of its development partners.
"When you combine an experienced development partner with the founders of Ghost Taco and the infrastructure of Happy Belly, we believe we have the right ingredients to build something very meaningful across Western Canada. With this new 50-unit Area Development Agreement covering Alberta and British Columbia, together with our existing Area Development Agreement for Ontario and the brand's current operating locations, Ghost Taco now has a development pipeline that is expected to grow the brand to a minimum of 100 locations. Our focus now is on execution, opening stores, building the brand and continuing to secure additional deals across Canada."
"We are just getting started," added Sean Black.
GHOST Taco 3
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About Ghost Taco
Ghost Taco is an Ontario-based fast-casual restaurant brand serving bold, Mexican-inspired tacos, bowls, sides and desserts. Founded by Samantha Buckley, Grant Buckley and Steve Tallas as a pop-up, Ghost Taco has grown into a distinctive multi-location concept known for its playful "unauthentic Mexican" positioning, memorable brand identity and loyal customer following. Today, the brand continues to expand from its Ontario base through a scalable franchise model, with established locations in markets including Newmarket, Kingston, Whitby, Peterborough and Barrie, and new development planned across Canada.
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, iQ Food Co., and others.
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Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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/314561
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Who is the Area Developer appointed for Ghost Taco in Western Canada?
The Area Developer for Alberta and British Columbia is Stephen Travers, who has more than 23 years of quick-service restaurant experience and has developed over 170 restaurants. He has previously been the first-ever Extreme Pita franchisee and later the first Area Developer for Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito and Via Cibo.
How many Ghost Taco locations does Happy Belly expect to develop overall with its current agreements?
With the new 50‑unit Area Development Agreement for Alberta and British Columbia, the existing Area Development Agreement for Ontario, and the brand’s current operating locations, Happy Belly expects the Ghost Taco development pipeline to grow the brand to a minimum of 100 locations across Canada.
What is Ghost Taco and where does it currently operate?
Ghost Taco is an Ontario-based fast-casual restaurant brand serving bold, Mexican-inspired tacos, bowls, sides and desserts. It began as a pop-up and has grown into a multi-location concept with established sites in Newmarket, Kingston, Whitby, Peterborough and Barrie, and further Canadian development planned through franchising.
What growth strategy does Happy Belly Food Group use for its restaurant brands?
Happy Belly focuses on an asset-light franchise model, partnering with experienced operators and area developers. The company believes this approach provides a scalable path to growth by leveraging partners’ operating experience, infrastructure and local market knowledge.
How can interested parties inquire about franchising opportunities with Happy Belly or Ghost Taco?
Franchising inquiries can be made through the Happy Belly website at www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or by contacting the company via email at hello@happybellyfg.com.