Happy Belly Food Group (OTCQB: HBFGF) announced that its Heal Wellness QSR secured a new franchise real-estate location in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, to be owned and operated by an existing franchisee as they become a multi-unit operator. The move advances Heal’s asset-light expansion across Alberta and Western Canada.
The release cites Heal’s network of 39 locations open, 169 in development, and 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across the company’s portfolio.
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Positive
New Sylvan Lake unit secured for a multi-unit franchisee
39 Heal locations currently open
169 Heal locations in development
666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across portfolio
Asset-light growth strategy emphasized for expansion
Negative
Reliance on seasonal tourist traffic in Sylvan Lake could affect quarterly sales
Execution risk from 169 locations in development could strain resources
05/06/2026 – 06:00 AM
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – May 6, 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 brand (“Heal”) has secured a real-estate location in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. This location will be owned and operated by an existing franchisee as they become a multi-unit franchisee. This location further advances Heal’s disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Alberta’s high-growth urban and suburban markets. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant (“QSR”) brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
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“The securing of our newest location in Sylvan Lake reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favorable demographic and traffic fundamentals,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. “Sylvan Lake, Alberta, combines a growing local customer base with steady tourism demand and a lifestyle that naturally aligns with health, recovery, and wellness services. With its lakefront identity Sylvan Lake draws over 1.5 million visitors annually, creating both repeat local clients and seasonal traffic for Heal Wellness.”
Its reputation as “Alberta’s favourite beach town,” combined with recreation, family-friendly tourism, locally owned shops, and a young, active community, makes it a natural fit for our Acai and smoothie wellness brand that will serve residents, weekend visitors, athletes, busy parents, and vacationers seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal’s functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance.
Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for wellness-focused QSR concepts accelerates across major Canadian cities. With a scalable format, strong unit economics, and an expanding network of experienced franchise partners, Heal is well positioned to deepen its presence across Western Canada while expanding into additional Canadian and U.S. markets.
Happy Belly 2
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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. With 39 locations open and more than 169 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly’s broader portfolio of 666 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 the U.S. to create long-term value for our shareholders.”
“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 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
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/296154
FAQ
What did Happy Belly (HBFGF) announce about Heal Wellness in Sylvan Lake on May 6, 2026?
They secured a franchise real-estate location in Sylvan Lake owned by an existing franchisee. According to the company, the unit advances Heal’s asset-light expansion into Alberta and targets local and seasonal visitors.
How many Heal Wellness locations does Happy Belly report are open and in development (HBFGF)?
Happy Belly reports 39 Heal locations open and 169 in development. According to the company, those figures reflect Heal’s rapid network expansion across Canada and into U.S. markets.
What does the Sylvan Lake location mean for Heal Wellness unit economics and strategy (HBFGF)?
The Sylvan Lake unit supports Heal’s asset-light, franchise-led growth strategy focused on scalable formats. According to the company, the site targets repeat local customers and seasonal tourist traffic to support unit performance.
How many total contractually committed retail franchise locations does Happy Belly (HBFGF) report?
Happy Belly reports 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio. According to the company, this total covers multiple emerging brands at various development and operation stages.
Will the Sylvan Lake Heal Wellness be corporate-owned or franchised under HBFGF?
The Sylvan Lake location will be owned and operated by an existing franchisee as they become a multi-unit operator. According to the company, this aligns with Heal’s franchise-focused expansion approach.