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Happy Belly's Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters Signs 20-Unit Area Development Agreement in Ontario

Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) signed a 20-unit area development agreement for Ontario, effective November 30, 2025, to franchise Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters across the province.

(Neutral)

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.

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Rhea-AI Summary

Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) signed a 20-unit area development agreement for Ontario, effective November 30, 2025, to franchise Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters across the province.

The deal increases Smile Tiger's committed development pipeline to 45 units (25 in British Columbia, 20 in Ontario) and raises Happy Belly's total contracted units in development across all brands to 646. Smile Tiger's in-house roasting, CPG and white-label capabilities are cited as platform assets to support retail growth and cross-selling across Happy Belly's concepts.

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Positive

  • Signed 20-unit area development agreement in Ontario
  • Smile Tiger pipeline increased to 45 units
  • Total contracted development across brands: 646 units
  • In-house roasting plus CPG and white-label capabilities
  • Asset-light franchising model driving faster footprint scaling

Negative

  • None.
Argus Dec 2 session
+1.26% close to close Open Argus
Details

News Market Reaction – HBFGF

On Dec 2, the day this news came out, HBFGF closed 1.26% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Dec 2 session.

Key Figures

Price change: 6.53% 52-week position: 5.33% above high, 267.44% above low New Ontario units: 20 locations +5 more
Price change
6.53%
Pre-news 24h price change for HBFGF
52-week position
5.33% above high, 267.44% above low
Distance from 52-week high and low before this news
New Ontario units
20 locations
Smile Tiger area development agreement for Ontario
Smile Tiger pipeline
45 units
25 in British Columbia and 20 in Ontario
Contracted units
646 locations
Total contracted units in development across all Happy Belly brands
20-day volume avg
7,670 shares
Average daily volume before this news
Today’s volume
11,072 shares
Trading volume before news release
200-day MA
$0.9
HBFGF trading above long-term moving average

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08
5 events
  1. Dec 08

    Leadership changes

    24h Move
    +2.6%

    Executive promotions to support franchising growth and 2026 expansion plans.

  2. Dec 05

    Store opening

    24h Move
    +2.1%

    Heal Wellness first Atlantic Canada location and confirmation of 646-unit pipeline.

  3. Dec 04

    Franchise agreement

    24h Move
    +2.5%

    New Rosie's Burgers franchise in Whitby and 115 Rosie's locations secured.

  4. Dec 02

    Franchise expansion

    24h Move
    +1.3%

    20-unit Smile Tiger Ontario deal and pipeline expansion to 45 units for the brand.

  5. Dec 01

    Store opening

    24h Move
    +0.0%

    New Heal Wellness in Calgary and expansion to 28 operating locations.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

area development agreement, consumer-packaged goods (CPG), white-label
3 terms
area development agreement financial
"it has signed an area development agreement for the province of Ontario"
A written contract in which a business grants a developer the rights and responsibilities to open and operate multiple locations within a specified territory over a set time. Think of it like buying a license to build a string of stores in a neighborhood: it outlines how many units must be opened, timing, fees and performance targets, and matters to investors because it signals planned growth, revenue potential, and the risks or obligations tied to expansion.
consumer-packaged goods (CPG) financial
"in-house roasting capabilities, combined with its consumer-packaged goods (CPG)"
Consumer-packaged goods (CPG) are everyday products people buy often and replace regularly, like food, beverages, toiletries, and household cleaners. Investors care because CPG companies sell staples with steady demand, predictable cash flow and strong brand value—think of them as companies selling daily essentials rather than one-time luxuries—so performance, pricing power, and distribution reach can signal stable returns or risk in a portfolio.
white-label technical
"consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and white-label offerings, position the brand"
A white-label product or service is made by one company but sold under another company's brand so the reseller can offer it as if they created it. Think of it like a supermarket selling a generic cereal that was produced in the same factory as national brands. For investors, white-label arrangements can boost revenue and speed market entry with lower development costs, but they also concentrate reliance on third-party suppliers and can limit differentiation and pricing power.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is happy to announce that, as of November 30th, 2025 it has signed an area development agreement for the province of Ontario to open 20 new franchised locations of its Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters brand. Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters ("Smile Tiger"), an emerging brand in the quick service coffee and beverage industry.

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Happy Belly 1

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"As we continue to scale Happy Belly through an asset-light franchising model, extending Smile Tiger's footprint in Ontario is a natural next step," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "This agreement brings Smile Tiger's committed development pipeline to 45 units - 25 in British Columbia and now 20 in Ontario - while increasing Happy Belly's total contracted units in development across all brands to 646. It's a strong validation of Smile Tiger's potential as an expanding quick service beverage brand as it starts to expand its footprint across Canada."

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Happy Belly 2

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Smile Tiger's in-house roasting capabilities, combined with its consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and white-label offerings, position the brand as a platform asset that can support both its own retail growth and broader coffee needs across the Happy Belly portfolio. As the Smile Tiger footprint expands in British Columbia and Ontario, Happy Belly intends to further integrate the brand into its existing breakfast, lunch, and dinner concepts, creating cross-selling opportunities and incremental revenue streams.

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Happy Belly 3

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

About Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters Inc.
Our coffee brand is built on the art of unique, in-house roasting. By sourcing premium, ethically grown beans from around the globe, we ensure every cup delivers unparalleled freshness and flavor. Our expert roasters meticulously craft each batch, unlocking the distinct profiles and aromas that set us apart. From rich, bold blends to delicate, nuanced single origins, our roasting process is a celebration of coffee's diversity. Committed to sustainability and quality, we bring you an exceptional coffee experience, roasted to perfection and tailored to delight even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.

Smile Tiger's coffee roasting capabilities, including consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and white-label products, provide large-scale commerce capabilities. This strategic advantage, combined with delivering exceptional coffee and outstanding service, positions us to capitalize on the growing demand in the coffee, tea, bubble tea, energy drink, and refresher markets—categories transforming the quick serve beverage industry across North America.

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.

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Happy Belly 4

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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/276596

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce on December 2, 2025 regarding Smile Tiger?

Happy Belly announced a signed 20-unit area development agreement for Smile Tiger in Ontario, effective November 30, 2025.

How many Smile Tiger units are now in the committed development pipeline for HBFGF?

Smile Tiger's committed development pipeline is now 45 units (25 in British Columbia and 20 in Ontario).

How many total contracted units across all Happy Belly brands does HBFGF report?

Happy Belly reports 646 contracted units in development across all of its brands.

What strategic advantages does Smile Tiger provide to Happy Belly (HBFGF)?

Smile Tiger offers in-house roasting, CPG and white-label capabilities to support retail growth and cross-selling.

When did the HBFGF area development agreement for Ontario become effective?

The area development agreement became effective on November 30, 2025.

Will the Smile Tiger expansion affect Happy Belly's franchising strategy?

Yes. The expansion aligns with Happy Belly's asset-light franchising model to scale the company's footprint faster.

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