Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness QSR Announces the Signing of a Franchise Agreement for London, Ontario
Rhea-AI Summary
Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) announced that its Heal Wellness QSR signed a franchise agreement for London, Ontario on November 13, 2025, advancing an asset-light expansion strategy.
Heal focuses on fresh smoothie bowls and smoothies and will use Happy Belly's franchise playbook and site-selection approach. The brand reports 27 operating locations, 168 in development, and contributes to Happy Belly's 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio.
Positive
- Franchise agreement signed for London, Ontario on November 13, 2025
- 27 Heal locations currently operating
- 168 Heal locations in development
- Portfolio totals 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – HBFGF
On the day this news was published, HBFGF declined 0.80%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce that Heal Wellness has signed a franchise agreement for London, Ontario, advancing the brand's disciplined, asset-light expansion across key markets in Canada. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies.
Happy Belly 1
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"For Heal, our priorities in 2025 and 2026 are driving organic growth and expanding our presence to establish the brand as North America's leading smoothie bowl chain, measured both by scale and strong unit economics," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "London is a natural fit for Heal with its vibrant neighborhoods, strong daytime traffic, and a growing base of health-conscious consumers who value convenient, better-for-you meals. The city is also home to Western University, one of Canada's largest post-secondary institutions, with approximately 44,000 students who represent a substantial customer base seeking fresh, nutritious, and on-the-go food options. This combination of a dynamic urban population and a large student community makes London an ideal market for Heal's continued expansion."
The London franchisee will leverage Happy Belly's proven playbook - pairing experienced operators with high-visibility trade areas to drive strong unit economics and accelerate time-to-opening. This approach mirrors recent Heal milestones across Canada where the Company has combined franchise growth with strategic real-estate execution. Heal continues to build momentum toward becoming Canada's leading smoothie bowl and smoothie wellness QSR brand, supported by a growing national pipeline and a disciplined focus on site selection and franchise partner quality.
Happy Belly 2
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With 27 locations operating and over 168 in development, Heal's expansion contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio, which now counts 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across emerging brands at various stages of development, construction, and operation.
"We are just getting started", said 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
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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/274329
FAQ
What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce on November 13, 2025 about Heal Wellness in London Ontario?
How many Heal Wellness locations are operating and in development according to Happy Belly (HBFGF)?
How does the London franchise fit Happy Belly's growth strategy for HBFGF?
What size customer base did Happy Belly cite for London Ontario when announcing the Heal franchise?
How many total contractually committed retail franchise locations does Happy Belly report for its portfolio (HBFGF)?
Where can potential franchisees find franchising information for Heal Wellness with Happy Belly (HBFGF)?
