Happy Belly Food Group Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Happy Belly Food Group (HBFGF) has exercised its right to acquire the remaining 50% of Heal Wellness, a QSR specializing in smoothie bowls, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary. The acquisition comes three years after initially purchasing 50% of Heal for $250,000 in stock. Under the joint venture, Heal has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 2 to 20 locations (6 corporate, 14 franchised) with a development pipeline of 130 units across Canada. The company's TTM EBITDA has reached $750,000 CDN, up significantly from the projected $230,000 CDN three years ago. The remaining 50% will be acquired at a 3.75x TTM EBITDA multiple, funded through Happy Belly shares at current market value. Heal co-founder Jesse Davidson will join Happy Belly full-time as Brand Leader. The transaction is expected to close by end of July.

Happy Belly Food Group has announced its 11th consecutive record quarter and first fiscal year of positive Adjusted EBITDA. The company reported remarkable growth in 2024, with system-wide sales increasing 419% to $30.30M and total operating revenues rising 72% to $9.38M.

Key achievements include:

• Expansion from 13 to 43 operating restaurants
• Product sales up 56% to $7.93M
• Royalties and franchise fees increased 400% to $0.98M
• Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.26M
• Strong cash position of $3.49M

The company made strategic acquisitions including Via Cibo, IQ Foods, and Yolks Breakfast. In early 2025, they've already opened 10 additional restaurants and acquired Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters. With multiple new franchise agreements and area development deals across Canada, Happy Belly continues its aggressive expansion in both QSR and CPG segments.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced the opening of a new Heal Wellness location in Calgary's Historic Alberta Block. The quick-service restaurant, specializing in smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, will open on April 26th, 2025, at Suite 105, 805 First Street SW, Calgary.

This marks Heal's 20th system-wide location, with additional units under construction across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. The company has secured contractual commitments for 130 total units, with growing franchise interest from operators and landlords. Happy Belly currently has 531 contractually committed retail franchise locations across their emerging brands, with plans for continued expansion throughout 2025 and 2026.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced a significant expansion of its Yolks Breakfast brand through a new area development agreement covering the Atlantic Provinces. The agreement will add 10 new locations across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I, Newfoundland and Labrador.

This expansion brings the total Yolks Breakfast units under development to 61 locations across 8 Canadian provinces. The company's overall portfolio now includes 531 units under development agreements, positioning Happy Belly for sustained organic growth.

The expansion into Atlantic Canada aligns with the company's strategy to establish Yolks as a national brand, building on existing franchise developments in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. The breakfast sector remains one of the fastest-growing restaurant segments, and the company expects these new locations to significantly contribute to revenue and profitability.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced its expansion into Quebec with the signing of its first real estate location for Yolks Breakfast franchise in Montreal's West Island. The location will be at Galerie des Sources in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec.

This expansion marks the company's fourth operational province in Canada, joining existing operations in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. The company has secured 51 contractually committed units with area developers for the Yolks brand, demonstrating significant growth in their franchising program.

The breakfast chain's expansion is part of Happy Belly's asset-light strategy, which has attracted considerable franchisee interest. The company currently has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across their emerging brands, with plans for continued expansion throughout 2025 and 2026.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) announces the grand opening of its newest Via Cibo Italian restaurant location in Barrhaven, Ottawa on April 19th, 2025. Located at 3181 Greenbank Road in Chapman Mills Marketplace, this marks the first multi-unit franchisee expansion for Via Cibo.

The new location joins anchor tenants Loblaws, Walmart, and Cineplex Odeon, representing the second Via Cibo establishment in Ottawa. The fast-casual Italian street food concept offers chef-driven culinary experiences with traditional ingredients.

The expansion aligns with Happy Belly's growth strategy in the Canadian QSR market. The company currently maintains 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its emerging brands, with plans for continued expansion throughout 2025 and 2026.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has promoted Randall Papineau from Brand President of iQ Foods to President of Emerging Brands, effective immediately. The promotion follows Papineau's successful track record in driving profitable growth and operational efficiency at iQ Foods.

In his expanded role, Papineau will oversee both iQ Foods and Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters brands, leveraging his previous experience as Vice President of Retail Operations at Balzac's Coffee. The appointment aligns with Happy Belly's strategic roadmap for 2025-2026, focusing on integrating and growing the Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters brand through organic growth and franchising.

As part of the appointment, Papineau has been granted 1,000,000 performance stock options exercisable at $1.14 per share, with vesting triggers tied to share price performance: 500,000 immediate, 250,000 at $1.50, and 250,000 at $2.00, all expiring June 2026.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced its ninth franchise agreement for Yolks Breakfast in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. This marks the fourth Yolks location in British Columbia and seventh in Western Canada, with an anticipated opening in Q4 2025.

The expansion follows recent successful launches in Ottawa's Glebe neighborhood and a signed franchise agreement in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The company currently has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its emerging brands, with plans for continued expansion throughout 2025 and 2026.

Yolks Breakfast, a boutique restaurant brand serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch, was acquired by Happy Belly as part of its strategy to scale emerging food brands. The company's management team brings experience from growing brands like Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito, Burger's Priest, and Fresh to over 400 locations.

Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced the grand opening of its fifth Rosie's Burgers location at 1542 Avenue Rd, Toronto, Ontario, scheduled for April 12th, 2025. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy.

The new corporate location is situated in a prime area with high car and pedestrian traffic, catering to professionals, residents, and visitors. Rosie's Burgers, a boutique QSR restaurant brand, specializes in smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, and milkshakes.

The company has secured 95 contractually committed units throughout Canada with Area Developers, positioning itself for accelerated growth. Happy Belly Food Group is implementing an asset-light franchise model and actively engaging with various groups across Canada to expedite Rosie's expansion.