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Happy Belly Food Group's Smash Burger Brand Rosie's Burgers Announces the Signing of its First Franchise Agreement in Atlantic Canada for the City of Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Happy Belly Food Group has signed its first franchise agreement for Rosie's Burgers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, marking its entry into Atlantic Canada. This represents the brand's fourth operating province and Happy Belly's sixth overall. Rosie's Burgers, a boutique QSR restaurant specializing in smash burgers and related items, has now secured 12 franchise agreements. The expansion comes just 3 months after announcing an area development agreement for Atlantic Canada. The company has 85 locations secured under development agreements across multiple provinces including Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Halifax was chosen for its strong demographics, with over 600,000 residents, multiple universities, and a vibrant culinary culture. The company is executing a dual-track growth approach combining corporate store development with an asset-light franchise model.
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Positive

  • Expansion into fourth operating province with first franchise agreement in Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Strong franchise growth with 85 locations secured under development agreements across multiple provinces
  • Strategic market entry into Halifax with favorable demographics of 600,000 residents and strong student population
  • Dual-track growth approach combining corporate stores and asset-light franchise model

Negative

  • None.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce the signing of it first franchise agreement in Atlantic Canada for the city of Halifax in the province of Nova Scotia. This franchise agreement marks entry into what will be our fourth operating province for the brand, sixth overall for Happy Belly. Rosie's Burgers ("Rosie's") is a boutique QSR restaurant brand serving original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and more. This signed agreement marks the 12th franchised agreement signed for Rosie's Burgers in addition to our corporate retail locations."

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"Just 3 months after announcing our area development agreement for Rosie's in Atlantic Canada, we are happy to move forward with the signing of our first franchise agreement in the province of Nova Scotia, said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Establishing Rosies on the east coast is a significant step in our national expansion strategy, making this our second brand to sign a franchise agreement in Atlantic Canada in less than 1 week. This growth trajectory demonstrates the strength of our brand portfolio, and there are no plans of slowing down.

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"Rosie's Burgers continues to scale across Canada, and today's announcement highlights the growing success of our national franchising strategy. With multiple new locations currently under construction and additional openings slated for 2025 & 2026, we are advancing growth through a dual-track approach-corporate store development alongside an asset-light franchise model. This strategy, supported by our strong track record of organic expansion and our franchising platform, positions us for continued momentum. With 85 locations secured under area development agreements across Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, Rosie's is well-positioned to be the leading national smash burger brand in Canada.

"Beyond just expanding our footprint, this agreement highlights the strength of our franchise support system-from site selection and operational training to marketing and ongoing business development. We take pride in providing our franchisees with the tools and resources they need to succeed, and the commitment of a seasoned operator underscores the trust in our processes, people, and brand momentum. This is another step forward in our mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company, Canada's #1 restaurant consolidator."

We are just getting started.

The City of Halifax
Halifax, Nova Scotia is an ideal city for Rosie's due to its strong mix of demographics, economic stability, and vibrant culinary culture. As a growing urban center with over 600,000 residents, Halifax boasts a youthful population driven by several major universities and a thriving student scene-prime consumers of fast-casual and comfort food. The city also benefits from high year-round foot traffic due to tourism, a busy port, and a growing tech and service economy. Additionally, the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of professionals, students, and families, all seeking quick, high-quality food options. With limited saturation in the premium burger segment and a community known for embracing new food trends, Halifax presents a strong market entry point for our smash burger concept poised to stand out and scale.

About Rosie's Burgers
Deliciously handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. Rosie's is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger's and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we're all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right?

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 leading consolidator of emerging food brands.

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Sean Black
Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz
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.

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FAQ

What is the significance of Rosie's Burgers' expansion into Halifax, Nova Scotia?

The Halifax expansion marks Rosie's Burgers' entry into its fourth operating province and Happy Belly's sixth overall province, representing significant progress in their national expansion strategy.

How many franchise agreements does Rosie's Burgers currently have?

Rosie's Burgers has signed 12 franchise agreements in addition to their corporate retail locations.

How many locations does Rosie's Burgers have secured under development agreements?

Rosie's Burgers has secured 85 locations under area development agreements across Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Why did Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) choose Halifax for expansion?

Halifax was chosen for its strong demographics of 600,000 residents, multiple universities, vibrant culinary culture, year-round tourism, and limited saturation in the premium burger segment.

What is Happy Belly Food Group's growth strategy for Rosie's Burgers?

The company is implementing a dual-track growth approach, combining corporate store development with an asset-light franchise model, supported by comprehensive franchise support systems.