Heal Wellness Expands with New Kitchener Location

On September 18, 2026, Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG | OTCQB: HBFGF) announced that its Heal Wellness quick-service restaurant brand has found a spot in Kitchener, Ontario, as part of its largest multi-unit franchise deal so far. This contract for 45 locations covers Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and is led by franchisee Alex Rechichi in partnership with Bedford Park Capital. This announcement highlights ongoing growth for the Heal brand and is significant for investors keeping an eye on Happy Belly’s franchise expansion plans.

Key Highlights

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG | OTCQB: HBFGF) focuses on bringing together up-and-coming restaurant brands. Heal Wellness has secured a location in Kitchener, Ontario as part of a multi-province franchise agreement involving 45 units-marking the brand’s biggest deal to date. The franchise group is led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital; financial details have not been disclosed. Investors may be watching closely as the remaining locations across Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are set to open.

Kitchener’s Growth Drives Heal Wellness Location Selection

The Kitchener site is located within the Waterloo Region, which the company has identified as a thriving market thanks to residential development, commercial activity, and a substantial post-secondary student population. The announcement points out that Conestoga College has over 20,000 students enrolled, while the University of Waterloo boasts more than 41,000 full- and part-time students along with Wilfrid Laurier University having over 17,500 undergraduates-all key factors driving demand. Happy Belly believes this demographic aligns perfectly with Heal’s health-oriented menu featuring smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies designed for health-conscious individuals on-the-go.

Heal Wellness Heads Happy Belly’s Largest Franchise Deal

The Kitchener location is part of Happy Belly’s major 45-unit franchise agreement across Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan – marking the biggest multi-unit franchise deal signed by Heal thus far. The franchise group is led by Alex Rechichi alongside Bedford Park Capital. The company mentions that Heal Wellness is quickly growing throughout Canada and into the U. S., acting as an important growth factor within Happy Belly’s portfolio that also includes Rosie’s Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and i Q Food Co. Financial terms regarding this agreement remain undisclosed.

CEO Sean Black Talks Scalability and Long-Term Value for Shareholders

CEO Sean Black highlighted that Kitchener’s combination of population growth, established communities, and demand from post-secondary institutions fits well with Heal’s offerings while demonstrating the brand’s scalability. He added that Happy Belly aims to create “a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value.” There was no immediate noticeable effect on the company’s share price based on publicly available data.

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