STOCK TITAN

Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness QSR Announces the Signing of a Multi Unit Franchise Agreement for 5 Stores on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

(Very Positive)
Tags
Happy Belly Food Group (HBFG) has signed a significant 5-store franchise agreement for its Heal Wellness QSR brand on Vancouver Island, BC. The agreement was signed with an experienced multi-unit operator who already manages existing Heal locations in BC's lower mainland. Heal Wellness specializes in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, targeting health-conscious consumers. The expansion aligns with Vancouver Island's demographics, characterized by an active outdoor lifestyle and strong tourism industry. Happy Belly currently maintains 551 contractually committed retail franchise locations across Canada, with plans for continued expansion through 2025 and 2026.
Loading...
Loading translation...

Positive

  • Expansion to Vancouver Island with 5 new franchise stores in a strategic market
  • Partnership with experienced existing franchisee demonstrates business model validation
  • Strong market fit with Vancouver Island's health-conscious demographic and tourism industry
  • Large pipeline of 551 contractually committed retail franchise locations

Negative

  • None.

News Market Reaction – HBFGF

-3.28%
-3.28% Session move

In the trading session that priced this news, HBFGF declined 3.28%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google
Add on Google

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 17, 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 that as of June 16th, it has signed a five (5) store franchise agreement for Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia ("BC"). The franchisee is an experienced multi-unit operator who currently owns and operates all the existing Heals in BC's lower mainland. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/255795_76c9c4f594551884_001.jpg

HEAL Wellness 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/255795_76c9c4f594551884_001full.jpg

"We have been looking at Vancouver Island for some time now as its demographics perfectly align with the clean, healthy yet convenient products Heal Wellness has to offer its customers," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer. "We are seeing a growing number of our franchise partners evolve into multi-unit operators across the Happy Belly portfolio-an exciting validation of our business model. This evolution not only reflects the confidence our partners have in our emerging brands but also enables us to scale rapidly with trusted operators. Their continued success strengthens our national footprint and accelerates our reach across key Canadian markets. As Heal Wellness quickly becomes Canada's first true coast-to-coast smoothie bowl brand, these strong partnerships and our dependable franchise support system are key drivers behind our expanding presence."

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/255795_76c9c4f594551884_002full.jpg

HEAL Wellness 2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/255795_76c9c4f594551884_002full.jpg

"Vancouver Island has a strong health-conscious population, active outdoor lifestyle, and thriving tourism industry. The region attracts residents and visitors who value fresh, nutritious, and on-the-go food options-making it a natural fit for our Heal brand as our products are focused on wellness and clean eating. From surf towns like Tofino to bustling hubs like Victoria and Nanaimo, the island boasts vibrant communities that embrace local businesses. With year-round outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and beachgoing, demand for refreshing, energizing food options remains consistent. Vancouver Island's unique mix of laid-back coastal culture and wellness-driven consumers creates a prime market for our smoothie and açaí bowl concept to thrive."

"As we enter the second half of 2025, our focus remains on accelerating growth through organic development and targeted acquisitions. With a growing pipeline of restaurants across Canada, we expect to announce new projects in the coming months as we secure additional franchise partnerships and premium real estate. These efforts mark meaningful progress toward our goal of building a disciplined, scalable growth platform. Happy Belly currently has 551 contractually committed retail franchise locations-spanning planning, construction, and operational-and we continue to expand this pipeline into 2025 and 2026 by aligning with the right partners and sites."

We are just getting started.

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 Caasdnada.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/255795_76c9c4f594551884_003.jpg

Happy Belly Food Group

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/255795_76c9c4f594551884_003full.jpg

Sean Black
Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz
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/255795

FAQ

How many new Heal Wellness stores is Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) opening on Vancouver Island?

Happy Belly Food Group is opening 5 new Heal Wellness stores on Vancouver Island through a franchise agreement signed on June 16, 2025.

What is the total number of contractually committed retail franchise locations for Happy Belly Food Group?

Happy Belly Food Group currently has 551 contractually committed retail franchise locations across Canada, including locations in planning, construction, and operational phases.

What products does Heal Wellness QSR offer?

Heal Wellness QSR specializes in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, focusing on clean and healthy eating options.

Why did Happy Belly Food Group choose Vancouver Island for expansion?

Vancouver Island was chosen for its health-conscious population, active outdoor lifestyle, thriving tourism industry, and strong demand for fresh, nutritious, on-the-go food options.

Who is the franchisee for the new Vancouver Island Heal Wellness locations?

The franchisee is an experienced multi-unit operator who currently owns and operates all existing Heal locations in BC's lower mainland.