Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness Signs Binding Agreement for 150 Heal Wellness Franchise Units Across the State of Texas, USA
The Texas development commitment rises from 10 to 150 locations, with the first restaurant already operating in Lubbock.
Sentiment and the balance of points
Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.
Rhea-AI Summary
Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) signed a binding agreement with The Curative Group to develop 150 Heal Wellness restaurants across Texas. The agreement expands the existing Texas commitment from 10 to 150 locations, including the first U.S. restaurant, opened in Lubbock on October 3, 2026. A second location is expected in early 2027, and site selection is underway.
Heal has 460 units in its development pipeline under signed agreements across Canada and the United States. Its operating footprint has grown from 30 locations at the start of 2026 to 54. Happy Belly expects 60 locations operating by year-end and anticipates the Texas rollout will increase operating restaurant count, system-wide sales and recurring royalty revenue as locations open.
How this balance works
Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.
It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.
Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.
Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Moderate pointThe Curative Group's binding Texas agreement expands Heal's development commitment from 10 to 150 restaurants.
- Moderate point460 units are now in Heal's development pipeline under signed agreements across Canada and the United States.
- Moderate pointOperating locations increased to 54 from 30 at the start of 2026.
- Minor pointHeal's first U.S. restaurant opened in Lubbock on October 3, 2026.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.A second Texas location is expected in early 2027, with further site selection underway.
3 minor points
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Happy Belly expects 60 operating locations by year-end 2026, doubling Heal's footprint during the year.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Happy Belly expects the Texas rollout to grow system-wide sales and recurring royalty revenue as restaurants open.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Happy Belly intends to develop Heal Wellness in additional U.S. states beyond Texas.
Negative
- None.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 2, 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 its largest franchise development agreement in company history, with the signing of a binding 150 Heal Wellness restaurants ("Heal") in the State of Texas with our existing multi-unit operator, The Curative Group. Heal is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies.
Happy Belly 1
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The agreement provides for 150 Heal Wellness locations to be opened across the state of Texas, including the group's first location, which opened on October 3, 2026, in Lubbock, and its second, expected in early 2027. Led by Kendall Howard and Paul Fioroni, The Curative Group brings extensive experience owning and operating multiple franchise brands, combining proven multi-unit operating capabilities with local market knowledge to support Heal Wellness's expansion across Texas. As locations open, the development is expected to generate measurable growth in Happy Belly's operating restaurant count, system-wide sales, and recurring royalty revenue, with the full 150-location rollout representing a substantial expansion of its U.S. footprint. Texas is the first of many states Happy Belly intends to develop for Heal Wellness.
"Signing a 150-unit binding agreement for Texas is the largest and most impactful development agreement Happy Belly has ever signed, marking our most significant step toward building Heal Wellness into North America's leading smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Our franchise partners have already opened Heal's first U.S. location in Lubbock and are preparing to open their second in early 2027. Expanding our relationship with an experienced group that owns and operates several successful franchised brands in Texas gives us a proven local partner with the operational capabilities and market knowledge to execute this rollout.
The group's first Heal Wellness restaurant is located at 1113 University Avenue in Lubbock, directly across from Texas Tech University. The opening established Heal's first operating location in the United States and provides an initial base for building brand awareness and operating experience in the Texas market.
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"Our approach is to pair the right brand with experienced operators who understand their markets and have the capabilities to support sustained growth," added Sean Black. "The Curative Group brings hands on experience constructing and managing brands across Texas, along with firsthand knowledge of operating Heal in Texas. We believe that combination provides a strong foundation for a disciplined rollout as we identify suitable real estate, build local teams, maintain consistent operating standards, and grow the brand's presence across the state while delivering a consistent guest experience."
This 150 multi-unit agreement expands Heal's Texas development commitment from the previously announced 10 locations to 150 locations in total. It builds on the Company's June 2025 announcement of its initial Texas development agreement and subsequent announcements securing the first two U.S. locations in Lubbock. Management believes the State of Texas offers an attractive market for Heal's business model and menu mix, with opportunities to serve students, families, professionals, and active consumers seeking convenient, better-for-you food options on the go. Future development will follow Happy Belly's franchise growth model, with site selections already underway.
The Company's first Texas opening was an important milestone. This agreement gives the Company a framework to build upon that opening with a partner that shares our long-term vision for Heal. We remain focused on translating our development pipeline into operating restaurants and creating long-term value for our shareholders.
"Building on the three-year, 45-unit agreement announced on June 15th with a group led by Alex Rechichi, former Chairman of Happy Belly's Board, and Bedford Park Capital, today's 150-unit agreement with The Curative Group, led by Kendall Howard and Paul Fioroni, further demonstrates the tremendous franchisee appetite for the Heal Wellness brand. With 460 units now in its development pipeline under signed development agreements, Heal has a substantial foundation for continued growth across Canada and the United States. This expansion across Texas adds to a strong year of growth for Heal, which began 2026 with 30 locations and now has 54 open. With 60 locations expected to be open and operating by year-end, Heal is on track to double its restaurant footprint in 2026."
"We are just getting started," added Sean Black.
Happy Belly 3
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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. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, iQ Food Co., and others.
Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
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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/322011
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
How many Texas restaurants does Happy Belly's Heal Wellness agreement cover?
The binding agreement with The Curative Group covers 150 Heal Wellness restaurants across Texas, expanding the previously announced commitment of 10 locations. The total includes the group's first restaurant, which opened in Lubbock on October 3, 2026.
When will the next Heal Wellness restaurant open in Texas?
The Curative Group's second Texas Heal Wellness restaurant is expected in early 2027. Its first location is already operating in Lubbock, and site selection for further development is underway.