Happy Belly's Heal signs franchise deal for Barrie

Mr. Sean Black reports HAPPY BELLY FOOD GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW FRANCHISE AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR HEAL WELLNESS IN BARRIE, ONTARIO Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed a franchise agreement for the city of Barrie, Ont. This is the second franchise agreement Heal Wellness has signed this week. Heal Wellness is a quick-service restaurant (QSR) specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls and smoothies. "Barrie represents an exceptional market for Heal Wellness," said Sean Black, chief executive officer of Happy Belly. "With its rapidly growing population, strong family demographics and a vibrant, health-conscious community, the city aligns perfectly with Heal's mission to deliver quick, fresh and nutritious food options to active Canadians. The signing of this new franchise agreement further demonstrates the strength of our scalable, asset-light business model and the continued confidence our franchise partners have in the Heal brand. "Home to Georgian College, one of Ontario's largest and most active college campuses, Barrie boasts a thriving student population that embraces wellness, convenience and better-for-you dining options. The presence of thousands of health-conscious students and young professionals makes the city an ideal environment for Heal Wellness, where nutritious, energizing meals fit perfectly into their fast-paced, active lifestyles." "Situated just north of the Greater Toronto Area, Barrie is one of Ontario's fastest-growing cities -- home to young professionals, families and students who value convenience, quality and healthy eating. Its proximity to cottage country and its year-round recreational culture make it a dynamic market for wellness-driven food concepts. The new Heal Wellness franchise location will serve as a go-to destination for both residents and visitors seeking refreshing, better-for-you meal options. "Heal Wellness continues to accelerate its coast-to-coast expansion, further solidifying its growing position as Canada's leading smoothie bowl and wellness QSR brand. This latest franchise signing underscores Happy Belly's disciplined, asset-light approach to growth, attracting strong franchise operators and securing premium markets across the country. With 27 locations currently open and over 168 in development, Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum nationwide through consistent franchise growth and strategic real estate execution." Happy Belly Food Group now has 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio of emerging brands -- including Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food and others -- in various stages of development, construction and operation nationwide. "We are just getting started," added Mr. Black. Closing of Heal Wellness transaction The company announces that, further to its news release of Oct. 2, 2025, it has closed the acquisition of the remaining 50-per-cent ownership interest of Heal Lifestyle Inc. (Heal Wellness). In connection with the transaction, the company acquired 200 common shares of 1000193142 Ontario Inc. (JVCo) from the shareholders of Heal Wellness for an aggregate purchase price of $3,896,948. The purchase price was settled through: (a) the transfer of an aggregate of 2,777,777 previously issued common shares of the company held by JVCo to the vendors; and (b) the issuance of an aggregate of 613,469 Happy Belly Food Group shares from treasury to the vendors, which are subject to restrictions on resale until the date that is four months and one day from the closing date of the transaction. Upon closing of the transaction, both JVCo and the Heal operating entity became wholly owned subsidiaries of Happy Belly. 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. Heal Wellness currently offers a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. Heal Wellness takes pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on its menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies and superseed grain bowls. Heal Wellness's smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods such as acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds and more. Franchising For franchising inquiries, please see Happy Belly's website or contact the company at [email protected]. About Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Happy Belly Food Group is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. We seek Safe Harbor.