Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness QSR Secures Real Estate Location for Multi-Unit Franchisee in the City of Vaughan, Ontario
Rhea-AI Summary
Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) announced that multi-unit franchisee David Lamph secured his 8th Heal Wellness location in the City of Vaughan, Ontario on May 8, 2026. The move supports Heal's asset-light growth across Ontario's urban and suburban markets.
Heal Wellness operates a fast-growing QSR format focused on açaí bowls, smoothie bowls and smoothies, with 39 locations open, 169 in development, and 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across Happy Belly's portfolio.
Positive
- 8th Heal unit secured by multi-unit franchisee David Lamph in Vaughan
- 39 locations open for Heal Wellness (operational footprint)
- 169 locations reported in development for Heal Wellness
- 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across Happy Belly portfolio
- Asset-light growth strategy emphasizing franchising and scalable unit economics
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – HBFGF
In the May 8 session, HBFGF declined 0.76%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 8, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce that our multi-unit franchisee David Lamph has secured his 8th Heal location in the City of Vaughan, Ontario. This location further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban and suburban markets. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
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"The securing of our newest location in the City of Vaughan reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favourable demographic and high-traffic fundamentals," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Vaughan, Ontario, is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities and a major economic hub within York Region, supported by a growing residential population, a dynamic business community, strong commuter patterns, and access to key transportation networks. These characteristics create a compelling environment for Heal Wellness as we continue to bring our clean-ingredient, better-for-you offering to high-density suburban markets across the GTA."
Located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Vaughan brings together established family neighbourhoods, employment corridors, retail destinations, sports and recreation amenities, and a young, active customer base. This makes it a natural fit for Heal's acai and smoothie wellness brand, serving residents, professionals, athletes, busy parents, students, and visitors seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance.
Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for wellness-focused QSR concepts accelerates across major Canadian cities. With a scalable format, strong unit economics, and an expanding network of experienced franchise partners, Heal is well positioned to deepen its presence across Ontario while expanding into additional Canadian and U.S. markets.
Happy Belly 2
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"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading açaí and smoothie bowl brand. With 39 locations open and more than 169 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S. to create long-term value for our shareholders."
"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, 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/296625