Happy Belly Food Group's Via Cibo Italian Fast-Casual Restaurant Signs a 10 Unit Development Agreement in Alberta
Rhea-AI Summary
Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) announced on December 15, 2025 that it signed an area development agreement to open ten (10) franchised Via Cibo Italian fast-casual restaurants across the province of Alberta.
The release states Via Cibo already has five locations operating in Alberta, 8 locations now open system-wide, and 25 in development, contributing to Happy Belly's portfolio of 656 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands.
The company highlighted Alberta's population growth and dining culture as reasons for accelerated multi-unit expansion and said the agreement strengthens its Western Canada footprint.
Positive
- Signed 10-unit area development agreement in Alberta
- Adds to Alberta presence where five locations already operate
- Via Cibo has 8 locations open and 25 in development
- Contributes to companywide 656 contractually committed franchise locations
Negative
- No financial terms or concrete opening timeline disclosed for the 10 units
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands, is pleased to announce that it has signed an area development agreement for the province of Alberta for the contractual opening of ten (10) franchised Via Cibo Italian restaurants ("Via Cibo"), serving fast-casual Italian foods crafted with the finest traditional ingredients, offering a chef-driven culinary experience for anyone seeking fresh, authentic flavor.
Happy Belly 1
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"Via Cibo is entering its next phase of accelerated growth. With five locations already operating in Alberta, the execution of an additional 10-unit development agreement in the province reflects our strong conviction in the market opportunity and highlights the significant potential for continued multi-unit expansion within our existing franchising system," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "We are excited to partner with our strong Western Canada area developer once again to expand Via Cibo across Alberta, leveraging the brand's proven performance, scalable operating model, and broad consumer appeal. This agreement further strengthens our Western Canada footprint and underscores the momentum we continue to build across our franchising platform.
"Alberta offers a compelling combination of strong population growth, urban density, and a vibrant dining culture that aligns exceptionally well with Via Cibo's fast-casual Italian concept. This area development agreement reflects both the confidence we have in Via Cibo as a brand and the confidence sophisticated franchise partners continue to place in Happy Belly's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy.
Happy Belly 2
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"With 8 locations now open and 25 in development, Via Cibo contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 656 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 create long-term value for our shareholders.
"We are just getting started," added Sean Black.
About Via Cibo
Via Cibo, an all-franchised system, is an asset-light entity with established street-front real estate locations in both Ontario and Alberta. Authentic Italian Street food, made with the best traditional ingredients for those looking for fast, fresh food that respects tradition via a chef driven full-service restaurant without the full service. At Via Cibo you can enjoy an authentic Italian meal that does not require hours of your time or a great amount of money. Via Cibo is a fast casual restaurant which offers an experience tailored to your needs. Order from one of our greeters and our servers deliver your fresh authentic dishes to your table in under 10min. Via Cibo is the Italian food Italians talk about. Our kitchen is open, smell the food, watch the cooks, have a bite with friends and share in our love for food!
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, Interim Chief Financial 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/278037
FAQ
What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce on December 15, 2025 about Via Cibo?
How many Via Cibo locations does Happy Belly say are currently open and in development?
How does the Alberta deal affect Happy Belly's franchise footprint (HBFGF)?
How many Via Cibo restaurants already operate in Alberta according to Happy Belly?
Did Happy Belly disclose financial terms or an opening schedule for the 10 Alberta units?
