Happy Belly Food Group's Multi-Unit Franchisee for Heal Wellness QSR in Texas Secures Second U.S. Real-Estate Location in Lubbock
Rhea-AI Summary
Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) announced that Heal Wellness secured its second U.S. real-estate site in Lubbock, Texas, with a planned opening in 2026 as part of a 10-unit development agreement. This follows the first U.S. site announced on November 6, 2025 and reflects accelerated U.S. expansion.
Heal currently has 30 locations open and 178 in development, contributing to Happy Belly's 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio. Management cites Texas market fundamentals—population growth, warm climate, and Texas Tech University enrollment (~41,000–42,000)—as drivers for year-round demand for smoothies and açaí bowls.
Positive
- Second U.S. location secured in Lubbock, Texas
- Following first U.S. site announced on November 6, 2025
- 10-unit development agreement for Heal Wellness
- 30 Heal locations open and 178 in development
- 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations company-wide
Negative
- 178 Heal locations are in development, not yet revenue-generating
- Planned Lubbock opening in 2026 remains future-dependent
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 5, 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 Heal Wellness ("Heal") has secured its second U.S. real estate location in Texas. This milestone marks another important step in the Company's strategy to scale Heal into a leading smoothie and açaí bowl brand across North America. 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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"Today's announcement reflects continued momentum for Heal Wellness as we strategically expand the brand into the United States alongside our multi-unit franchise partners," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "This second secured real estate location in Lubbock, Texas, comes just two months after announcing our first U.S. site on November 6, 2025, underscoring the pace at which we are executing our growth plan. Lubbock-home to Texas Tech University-will be developed by our Texas-based multi-unit franchise partner, with a planned opening in 2026, as we advance our 10-unit development agreement for Heal Wellness. Texas offers exactly what we look for in U.S. expansion: a warm climate that supports year-round smoothie and açaí bowl demand, strong population growth, active lifestyle demographics, and a pro-business environment. This is the right market, at the right time, with the right brand."
Texas continues to rank among the most attractive consumer markets in the United States, driven by population inflows, economic expansion, and a strong health-and-wellness culture. These fundamentals align closely with Heal's menu of fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, positioning the brand to serve families, students, professionals, and fitness-minded consumers seeking convenient, nourishing options in a warm-weather market. Lubbock is a rapidly growing regional hub with a population of more than 270,000 residents and a broader metropolitan area exceeding 360,000 people. Anchored by Texas Tech University, which enrolls approximately 41,000-42,000 students, the market provides consistent year-round foot traffic and a strong concentration of wellness-oriented consumers.
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand. With 30 locations now open and more than 178 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 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."
Happy Belly 2
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"Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and now the United States to create long-term value for our shareholders."
"We are just getting started," added 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. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others.
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/279430
FAQ
What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce on January 5, 2026 about Heal Wellness in Texas?
How many Heal Wellness locations does Happy Belly (HBFGF) report open and in development?
How does the Lubbock location fit Happy Belly's U.S. expansion timeline for HBFGF?
What broader franchise scale does Happy Belly (HBFGF) report after the Heal Wellness expansion?
Why did Happy Belly choose Texas for Heal Wellness expansion, according to the January 5, 2026 update?
