Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce that their existing Rosie's Burgers ("Rosie's") franchisee in Nova Scotia has signed a second franchise agreement. The newly secured real estate location is in the downtown Halifax area known as Pizza Corner. Rosie's Burgers is a boutique QSR restaurant brand serving original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and more.
Happy Belly 1
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"As we deepen our presence across Atlantic Canada-a strategically important region in our coast-to-coast expansion model-we continue to build momentum across our portfolio of emerging brands. The pace of growth we're experiencing highlights the strength, relevance, and scalability of our concepts in diverse markets. With more agreements in the pipeline and real estate opportunities actively being secured, we have no intention of slowing down as we execute on our national growth strategy. Halifax is home to Dalhousie University, St. Mary's University and Mount Saint Vincent University so we look forward to opening this location shortly."
"Welcoming another multi-unit franchisee-especially one with prior multi-unit experience-underscores both the strength of our brand and the confidence entrepreneurs have in our long-term vision," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Rosie's Burgers has rapidly emerged as a category leader in Canada, recognized for its quality, consistency, and exceptional guest experience. The continued signing of franchise agreements across the country reflects the strong market demand for the brand and the scalability of the franchise model we've purposefully designed. With additional site selections already in progress, the growth runway ahead is substantial-and I couldn't be more excited about what's next."
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"Our comprehensive franchise support system-from real estate and operational training to marketing and ongoing business development-is something we take great pride in. We ensure every franchisee is equipped with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive. The growing number of multi-unit operators across our portfolio is a clear validation of the trust placed in our people, processes, and the accelerating momentum behind our brands."
"With 115 Rosie's locations already secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across key provinces-including Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan-the brand is set to scale rapidly in the years ahead. Our dual expansion strategy, combining franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforces our commitment to accelerating Rosie's development. With a proven track record in the burger space, a solid foundation in organic growth, and a high-performing franchise model, Rosie's Burgers is on track to become Canada's leading smash burger brand.
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"With 616 retail locations across our Happy Belly portfolio secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development Agreements-including projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline continues to expand at a strong pace. By strategically selecting the right partners and securing premium real estate, we remain focused on executing a scalable and disciplined growth strategy through 2025-2026. Each new location represents a step forward in our mission to become Canada's leading restaurant consolidator and a predictable growth company. As we strengthen our presence in key markets nationwide, our commitment remains centered on driving long-term shareholder value and building a high-performance platform of emerging restaurant brands."
"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.
The City of Halifax
Halifax, Nova Scotia is an ideal city for Rosie's due to its strong mix of demographics, economic stability, and vibrant culinary culture. As a growing urban center with over 600,000 residents, Halifax boasts a youthful population driven by several major universities and a thriving student scene-prime consumers of fast-casual and comfort food. The city also benefits from high year-round foot traffic due to tourism, a busy port, and a growing tech and service economy. Additionally, the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of professionals, students, and families, all seeking quick, high-quality food options. With limited saturation in the premium burger segment and a community known for embracing new food trends, Halifax presents a strong market entry point for our smash burger concept poised to stand out and scale.
About Rosie's Burgers
Deliciously handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. Rosie's is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger's and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we're all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right?
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") a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands.
Happy Belly 4
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Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
www: www.happybellyfg.com or email hello@happybellyfg.com
If you wish to contact us please call: 1-877-589-8805
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/261251
SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
