Happy Belly's Heal obtains store location in Texas

Mr. Sean Black reports HAPPY BELLY FOOD GROUP'S MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE FOR HEAL WELLNESS QSR IN TEXAS SECURES SECOND U.S. REAL-ESTATE LOCATION IN LUBBOCK Happy Belly Food Group Inc.'s Heal Wellness has secured its second United States real estate location in Texas. This milestone marks another important step in the company's strategy to scale Heal into a leading smoothie and acai bowl brand across North America. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle. "Today's announcement reflects continued momentum for Heal Wellness as we strategically expand the brand into the United States alongside our multiunit franchise partners," said Sean Black, chief executive officer of Happy Belly. "This second secured real estate location in Lubbock, Tex., comes just two months after announcing our first U.S. site on Nov. 6, 2025, underscoring the pace at which we are executing our growth plan. Lubbock -- home to Texas Tech University -- will be developed by our Texas-based multiunit franchise partner, with a planned opening in 2026, as we advance our 10-unit development agreement for Heal Wellness. Texas offers exactly what we look for in U.S. expansion: a warm climate that supports year-round smoothie and acai bowl demand, strong population growth, active lifestyle demographics and a pro-business environment. This is the right market, at the right time, with the right brand." Texas continues to rank among the most attractive consumer markets in the United States, driven by population inflows, economic expansion and a strong health-and-wellness culture. These fundamentals align closely with Heal's menu of fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls and smoothies, positioning the brand to serve families, students, professionals and fitness-minded consumers seeking convenient, nourishing options in a warm weather market. Lubbock is a rapidly growing regional hub with a population of more than 270,000 residents and a broader metropolitan area exceeding 360,000 people. Anchored by Texas Tech University, which enrolls approximately 41,000 to 42,000 students, the market provides consistent year-round foot traffic and a strong concentration of wellness-oriented consumers. "Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand. With 30 locations now open and more than 178 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. "Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and now the United States to create long-term value for our shareholders." "We are just getting started," added Mr. 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. It currently offers a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. Heal takes pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies and superseed grain bowls. Heal's smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds and more. About Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Happy Belly Food Group is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food and others. We seek Safe Harbor.