Happy Belly Food Group's Heal Wellness Signs 10-Unit Franchise Agreement with Existing Multi-Unit Franchisee for the Greater Montreal Area of Quebec

Executive Summary

• Happy Belly Food Group Inc. announced a 10-store multi-unit franchise agreement for its Heal Wellness brand in the Greater Montreal Area of Quebec.
• The agreement is with existing franchisees Pietro Maio and Lucio Carlomusto, who are expanding their commitment to the brand following a successful initial opening.
• Heal Wellness currently operates 41 locations with over 167 in development, serving as a key growth driver within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations.

Key Details

• Franchise Agreement: 10-store multi-unit franchise deal for Heal Wellness in the Greater Montreal Area, Quebec.
• Franchisee: Existing multi-unit franchisee Pietro Maio and partner Lucio Carlomusto.
• Brand Focus: Heal Wellness is a quick-service restaurant (QSR) specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies built around clean ingredients.
• Heal Wellness Portfolio Metrics: 41 locations currently open; more than 167 locations in development.
• Total Company Portfolio: 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation.
• Strategic Impact: Advances Heal's asset-light growth strategy and strengthens Happy Belly's market foothold in Quebec, marking the company's third major franchise agreement in the province.
• Additional Franchise Activity: Pietro Maio also holds a multi-unit agreement with Carma Hospitality for 10 Rosie's Burgers locations.
• Geographic Expansion: Heal Wellness continues rapid expansion across Canada and into the United States.

Notable Quotes

• "Following a very successful opening in Griffintown last month by our franchisee, Pietro Maio and his partner Lucio Carlomusto, they have decided to become multi-unit franchisees of Heal and increased their commitment to Happy Belly with an additional 10 Heal Wellness units. Pietro also has a multi-unit agreement with his partners at Carma Hospitality for 10 Rosie's Burgers locations. It is an incredible feeling when franchisees place such trust in Happy Belly's brands that they become both multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees. I have known Pietro for many years, and when his partner Lucio discovered Heal there was no way these guys were going to miss the opportunity to be part of the brand in Quebec. This marks Happy Belly's third major agreement in Quebec, underscoring our commitment to accelerating development in the province," — Sean Black, CEO
• "Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," — Sean Black
• "With 41 locations now open and more than 167 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple 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." — Sean Black
• "We are just getting started", — Sean Black