Mr. Sean Black reports

HAPPY BELLY FOOD GROUP'S ROSIE'S BURGERS ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF ITS NEWEST LOCATION IN WATERLOO, ONTARIO

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. will hold the grand opening for its newest Rosie's Burgers restaurant this Saturday, Jan. 17, in the vibrant city of Waterloo, Ont., located at 15 King St. S, Unit 5. This opening marks Rosie's 12th location and represents another key milestone in the brand's continued national expansion, further strengthening its growing presence across Ontario. Rosie's is a boutique quick-service restaurant brand known for its signature smash burgers, golden fries, poutine, onion rings and classic milkshakes -- delivering nostalgic flavours in vibrant, neighbourhood-driven locations.

"Waterloo is a thriving, high-energy community anchored by two of Canada's most influential university campuses, making it an ideal market for the Rosie's brand," said Sean Black, chief executive officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "With both the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University located just minutes from our new restaurant, and together home to more than 60,000 students across expansive, centrally located campuses, this location benefits from a dense, year-round student population alongside professionals and families. Waterloo's strong population growth, world-class postsecondary institutions, and dynamic food and retail scene create a high-traffic, youthful demographic that aligns exceptionally well with Rosie's neighbourhood-focused smash burger concept.

"With 12 locations now open and more than 113 in development across key Canadian provinces, the Rosie's brand is positioned to scale rapidly in the years ahead. These openings contribute to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction and operation. Our dual expansion strategy of combining franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings reinforces our commitment to accelerating our brands' development as we advance our mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company, Canada's No. 1 restaurant consolidator."

In addition, K2 & Associates has converted its $2-million debenture ahead of its three-year term expiring June 10, 2027, into common shares of Happy Belly, further strengthening the company's balance sheet and eliminating $2-million of convertible debt. K2 is a long-term supporter of Happy Belly and remains a committed shareholder, having increased its equity ownership through this conversion as a demonstration of its confidence in the company's strategy, leadership team and long-term growth prospects.

"We are just getting started," added Mr. Black.

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 its smash burgers and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings -- Rosie's is all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition, because the classics were made classic for a reason.

Franchising

For franchising inquiries, please see Happy Belly's website or contact the company at hello@happybellyfg.com.

About Happy Belly Food Group Inc.

Happy Belly Food Group is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food and others.

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