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Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 28, 2026) – Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) (“Happy Belly<\/b>” or the “Company<\/b>“), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce that its Heal Wellness brand (“Heal<\/b>“) will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location this Saturday, August 29th, at Unit D1-4, 3956 Shelbourne Street, Saanich, British Columbia, within the University Heights development. The location is owned and operated by an experienced multi-unit, multi-brand operator and represents the first of five committed Heal Wellness locations by this franchisee for Vancouver Island. The opening marks Heal’s first location on Vancouver Island and further advances the brand’s disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as it continues expanding across British Columbia and Western Canada. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant (“QSR<\/b>“) brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, a\u00e7a\u00ed bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.<\/p>\n
Happy Belly 1<\/p>\n To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: “The grand opening of our newest location at University Heights is another exciting milestone for Heal as we continue building our presence across North America,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. “This opening is particularly meaningful because it is being led by an experienced multi-unit, multi-brand operator who has committed to opening five Heal Wellness locations, with University Heights representing the first. Experienced operators choosing to grow with us through multi-unit commitments is strong validation of the brand, our franchise model, and the opportunity ahead.”<\/p>\n University Heights is a major mixed-use redevelopment in Saanich’s Shelbourne-McKenzie area, combining new residential density with retail and commercial services along two important regional corridors. The location provides access to established neighbourhoods, growing residential density, and traffic connected to the nearby University of Victoria, creating a strong customer base of students, young professionals, families, and active consumers. As Heal’s first Vancouver Island location, University Heights provides a strategic foothold for the brand within the Greater Victoria market.<\/p>\n Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for wellness-focused QSR concepts grows across Canada. With a scalable format, strong unit economics, and an expanding network of experienced franchise partners, Heal is well positioned to deepen its presence across British Columbia and Western Canada while continuing its expansion into additional Canadian and U.S. markets. The University Heights grand opening is another milestone in that growth strategy and highlights the strength of Happy Belly’s multi-unit, multi-brand franchise partner network as experienced operators continue to expand across the Company’s portfolio.<\/p>\n Happy Belly 2<\/p>\n To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: “We are just getting started<\/b>“, said Sean Black.<\/p>\n Additional Updates: These Options shall vest as follows:<\/p>\n To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About Heal Wellness<\/b><\/u> Franchising<\/b><\/u> About Happy Belly Food Group<\/b><\/u> Happy Belly Food Group<\/p>\n To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Sean Black Shawn Moniz FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:<\/b> 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.<\/i><\/p>\n Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements<\/i><\/p>\n 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 <\/i>www.sedarplus.ca<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n![\"Cannot](\"https:\/\/images.newsfilecorp.com\/files\/6625\/311940_d44ca252d49658ea_002full.jpg\")
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\n<\/b><\/u>The Company announces that it has granted 1,000,000 stock options (the “Options”) to its Chief Financial Officer, Ian Thomas, in accordance with the Company’s Option Plan. The Options are exercisable at $2.00 per common share (the “Shares”) and are subject to performance-based vesting triggers designed to align with the performance warrants and options previously granted to the Company’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer on October 3, 2025, and will expire October 2nd<\/sup>, 2030.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nHeal 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.<\/p>\n
\nFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com\/franchise-with-us\/<\/a> or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nHappy 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.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nCo-founder, Chief Executive Officer<\/p>\n
\nCo-founder, President<\/p>\n
\nwww: <\/b>www.happybellyfg.com<\/b><\/a> or email hello@happybellyfg.com<\/a><\/b>
\nIf you wish to contact us please call: 1-877-589-8805<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n