(MENAFN- Newsfile Corp) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 17, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada, is pleased to announce that, further to its June 18th, 2025 news release announcing the signing of a franchise agreement and real estate location for iQ Food Co. in Toronto, the Company will now celebrate the grand opening of this newest iQ Food Co. location this Saturday, October 19th, in Toronto's vibrant Avenue & Lawrence neighbourhood at 1542 Avenue Road. iQ Food Co. ("iQ") is a Toronto-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) concept renowned for its vibrant menu of nourishing, clean-eating dishes-including healthy bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads-crafted to satisfy a wide range of tastes and lifestyles.

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This milestone marks the third brand within our portfolio to become operational in this high-potential neighborhood and is owned and operated by a seasoned multi-unit franchisee who currently owns and operates several Heal Wellness restaurants across Toronto.
"Opening our newest iQ Food Co. location at Avenue & Lawrence underscores our momentum in bringing premium, health-forward dining experiences to communities across Canada," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This neighbourhood aligns perfectly with iQ's brand - an urban, wellness-oriented community that values quality, clean ingredients, and a modern approach to convenient dining. We are proud to continue executing on our growth plan and expanding our footprint in one of Toronto's most dynamic corridors."

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"This will mark the brands seventh (7^th) open location, reflecting our commitment to growing iQ through disciplined, organic expansion, with a clear focus on key urban markets across Canada. iQ has firmly established itself as a leader in the premium healthy eating category, strategically located in high-density urban and business districts. With a strong and growing base of health-conscious customers-ranging from downtown professionals to local residents-the brand is also scaling its catering services to extend its reach. This strategy continues to drive brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sustained word-of-mouth growth."

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Since its acquisition in late 2024, iQ Food Co. has expanded rapidly through new franchising and area development agreements across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Atlantic Canada - with more than 75 new franchised locations currently under development. Each restaurant features iQ's signature menu of nourishing, chef-inspired bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads, crafted to serve the needs of health-conscious consumers and families seeking delicious, wholesome meals.

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 Sean Black.
About iQ Food Co.
iQ is a flagship brand in Canada's premium healthy eating market and is strategically located in urban and central business districts. iQ serves a variety of delicious and wholesome food options such as healthy bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with other flavorful clean-eating dishes that the whole family can enjoy. iQ caters to thousands of health-conscious customers from local businesses, while expanding into catering services to service an even greater audience in downtown densely populated areas. This strategy has fostered strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base driven by word-of-mouth and, most importantly, satisfied customers.

Franchising
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About Happy Belly Food Group
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada.

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Sean Black
Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz
Chief Operating Officer

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