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ovember 6, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario – Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG, OTCQB: HBFGF) announced that its portfolio brand Heal Wellness has secured its first U.S. property in Lubbock, Texas, marking a key milestone in the company’s strategy to establish Heal as North America’s leading smoothie and acai bowl destination. Heal, a quick‑service concept focused on fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls and smoothies, will open its inaugural Texas unit in 2026.
CEO Sean Black said: “This is a pivotal moment for Heal and Happy Belly as we launch in the U.S. with a secured site in Lubbock, home of Texas Tech University. Texas offers the ideal demand profile—warm weather that drives year‑round consumption, rapid population growth, an active demographic, and strong disposable income. Lubbock’s 270,000 residents, 360,000‑person metro area and a student base of 41,000–42,000 provide a steady flow of foot traffic and wellness‑oriented customers. The high‑visibility location in a busy retail corridor aligns with our disciplined site‑selection approach, pairing strategic real estate with experienced operators to deliver robust unit economics.”
The Texas launch complements Heal’s Canadian expansion and showcases Happy Belly’s asset‑light, franchise‑driven model. Heal currently operates 27 stores, has 168 sites in development, and is part of 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across the group’s portfolio, which also includes Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food and others.
“We are just getting started,” added Black. “Our predictable, disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand across Canada and now the United States, creating long‑term value for shareholders.”
**About Heal Wellness**
Founded to serve busy, active consumers, Heal offers a menu of smoothie bowls, acai bowls and smoothies made with real fruit and superfoods such as acai, pitaya, goji berries and chia seeds. The brand emphasizes fresh, nutrient‑dense ingredients to fuel the body.
**Franchising**
Interested parties may visit www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or email [email protected] for franchise opportunities.
**About Happy Belly Food Group**
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leading acquirer and scaler of emerging food brands. The company’s portfolio spans multiple concepts and stages of development, construction and operation, and it is committed to building a diversified restaurant consolidator.
**Forward‑Looking Statements**
This release contains forward‑looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. For a discussion of risks, see the company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca.
