Happy Belly Food Group’s Heal Wellness QSR Signs Franchise Agreement and Secures Real Estate Location for Multi-Unit Franchisee in Stratford, Ontario

Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 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 its Heal Wellness (“Heal“) quick-service restaurant (“QSR“) brand has signed a franchise agreement and secured a real-estate location for a multi-unit franchisee to open their next location in Stratford, Ontario. The location represents another step in Heal’s continued expansion across Ontario. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing QSR brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies, and other better-for-you menu offerings built around clean ingredients and an active lifestyle.

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The newly secured Stratford location will introduce Heal Wellness to another growing Ontario market. The site is positioned to serve Stratford residents, visitors, professionals, families, students, and active, health-conscious consumers seeking convenient better-for-you dining options. The location will offer Heal’s full menu of smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies, and other health-focused offerings. Additional details regarding construction and the anticipated opening timeline will be announced as development progresses.

“Securing real estate in Stratford marks another important milestone in Heal’s continued expansion across Ontario,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. “This location is being developed with an experienced multi-unit franchisee who continues to invest alongside us as we grow the brand. Stratford is an attractive market for Heal’s functional, convenient, and grab-and-go offering, and we believe the community provides a strong platform for the brand’s long-term success. This signing further demonstrates the scalability of Heal across a broad range of community-focused markets throughout Canada.”

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“Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading açaí and smoothie bowl brand,” said Sean Black. “With 47 locations open and more than 161 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly’s broader portfolio of emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value.”

“We are just getting started,” said 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 [email protected].

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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Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President

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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