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Happy Belly Food Group's iQ Food Co. Announces the Signing of a 5-Unit Term Sheet in Calgary, Alberta

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Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) signed a 5-unit term sheet to develop iQ Food Co. restaurants in Calgary, Alberta, including a first franchise at The CORE on Stephen Avenue with a planned fall 2026 opening. The move supports iQ's Alberta expansion and national growth strategy.

The company cites 80 committed units under Area Development Agreements across Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia, and a broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its brands.

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Positive

  • Signed a 5-unit term sheet to develop iQ restaurants in Calgary
  • First Calgary franchise slated for The CORE (Stephen Avenue) with a fall 2026 opening
  • 80 committed units under Area Development Agreements in AB, ON, and BC
  • 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across the company's portfolio

Negative

  • None.

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In the May 7 session, HBFGF declined 1.65%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 7, 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 further to its news release on March 5th, announcing the securing of iQ Food Co.'s ("iQ") first real estate location in Western Canada, the Company has signed a 5-unit term sheet for the development of iQ restaurants in Calgary, Alberta. Under the agreement, a multi-unit franchisee will work with Happy Belly to bring five net-new iQ restaurants to Calgary and the surrounding area, representing the next step in establishing a meaningful footprint for iQ in the Alberta market. Their 1st signed franchise location will be in downtown Calgary's The CORE Shopping Centre on Stephen Avenue with a fall 2026 opening planned. The signing further supports iQ's expansion beyond Ontario, aligning with our national expansion strategy, and advances the Company's continued execution against its organic growth pipeline. iQ is a premium healthy-eating quick-service restaurant ("QSR") concept known for its vibrant menu of nourishing, clean-eating dishes, including healthy bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads, crafted to satisfy a wide range of tastes and lifestyles.

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Happy Belly 1

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"Calgary is a compelling, health-forward market with strong customer fundamentals and a growing appetite for premium healthy-eating concepts, making it an ideal fit for iQ's positioning," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This agreement reflects our disciplined approach to expansion as we build density around high-quality real estate that supports consistent daily demand and attractive unit economics.

"The momentum behind iQ continues to validate both the strength of the concept and our execution. With Area Development Agreements across Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia totaling 80 committed units, we are building the foundation to scale iQ into a nationally recognized brand and drive sustained expansion in Canada's most attractive urban markets."

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"Our focus remains on accelerating growth through organic development and targeted acquisitions. With a growing pipeline of restaurants across Canada, iQ continues to strengthen Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands, spanning various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our disciplined, predictable growth engine is delivering measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S., creating long-term value for shareholders.

"We are just getting started," added Sean Black.

About iQ Food Co.
iQ is a flagship brand in Canada's premium healthy eating market and is strategically located in urban and central business districts. iQ serves a variety of delicious and wholesome food options such as healthy bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with other flavorful clean-eating dishes that the whole family can enjoy. iQ caters to thousands of health-conscious customers from local businesses, while expanding into catering services to service an even greater audience in downtown densely populated areas. This strategy has fostered strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base driven by word-of-mouth and, most importantly, satisfied customers.

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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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/296407

FAQ

What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce about iQ Food Co. in Calgary on May 7, 2026?

They signed a 5-unit term sheet to develop iQ restaurants in Calgary, Alberta. According to the company, the first franchise will open at The CORE on Stephen Avenue with a planned fall 2026 opening and surrounding-area development thereafter.

When will the first iQ Food Co. Calgary location (HBFGF) open and where is it located?

The first Calgary iQ location is planned to open in fall 2026 at The CORE on Stephen Avenue. According to the company, this is the initial signed franchise within a five-unit agreement for Calgary and nearby communities.

How many iQ units has Happy Belly (HBFGF) committed across provinces through Area Development Agreements?

Happy Belly reports 80 committed units across Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia under Area Development Agreements. According to the company, these commitments form part of iQ's multi‑province expansion plan to build national scale.

What is the scale of Happy Belly's franchise portfolio (HBFGF) after the Calgary term sheet?

The company cites a portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its emerging brands. According to the company, this figure covers locations at various stages of development, construction, and operation.