Happy Belly Food Group Accelerates Expansion with New Calgary Franchise for Heal Wellness

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) has once again demonstrated its aggressive growth strategy by securing a new franchisee and real‑estate commitment for its Heal Wellness quick‑service restaurant (QSR) brand in Shawnessey Village, Calgary. The announcement, released on January 14, 2026, signals the company’s intent to dominate the health‑focused QSR sector across Western Canada and beyond.

A Strategic Play in a High‑Traffic Hub

Shawnessey Village is a well‑established retail node anchored by national tenants, surrounded by dense residential communities, and benefitting from daily footfall that exceeds typical suburban shopping centres. By selecting this location, Happy Belly is not merely adding another outlet; it is positioning Heal Wellness in a market that perfectly matches the brand’s wellness‑centric, convenience‑driven proposition. The real‑estate deal is complemented by a franchisee partnership, aligning operational expertise with the company’s “asset‑light” growth model.

Quantifiable Momentum in a Growing Segment

Heal Wellness has already opened 31 locations and boasts over 177 sites in development. Within the broader Happy Belly portfolio of 666 contract‑committed retail franchise locations, Heal contributes a measurable share of revenue and brand recognition. The company’s narrative frames this expansion as a “predictable and disciplined growth engine” that generates long‑term shareholder value. While the company’s price‑earnings ratio currently sits at a staggering –101.24, the underlying asset base and franchise pipeline provide a counterpoint to conventional valuation metrics.

The Broader Implications for Happy Belly

Happy Belly’s strategy revolves around acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. By focusing on high‑traffic, high‑visibility locations and pairing them with seasoned franchise operators, the company can achieve rapid scale without the capital intensity that traditional restaurant chains endure. The Calgary franchise exemplifies this model: a ready‑made asset (real‑estate) and a ready‑made operator (franchisee) allow the brand to open in Q2 2026 with minimal upfront cost and maximum market penetration.

Investor Takeaway

  • Rapid Expansion: The Calgary franchise marks another milestone in a pipeline that is already over 200 sites deep.
  • Asset‑Light Advantage: Real‑estate and franchise agreements reduce capital outlays, improving cash‑flow projections.
  • Market Positioning: Heal Wellness sits at the intersection of the booming wellness‑food trend and the fast‑service convenience sector.

Despite the company’s low share price (CAD 1.93 as of January 13, 2026) and a 52‑week low of CAD 0.92, the strategic moves in Calgary suggest that Happy Belly is carving out a niche that could defy traditional valuation concerns. The next step for investors is to monitor the rollout timeline, franchisee performance metrics, and the company’s ability to replicate this model across other key Canadian markets.