Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce the appointment and promotion of Ian Thomas to Chief Financial Officer, effective August 6th, 2026. Mr. Thomas succeeds Shawn Moniz following the conclusion of Mr. Moniz's one-year tenure as interim Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Thomas was appointed Executive Vice President of Finance in January 2026, bringing more than 25 years of senior financial leadership experience and expertise in franchised restaurant systems, public and private company reporting, and multi-divisional operations. Since joining Happy Belly, he has played an important role in strengthening the Company's financial infrastructure and supporting the continued expansion of its multi-branded franchising platform.

"Ian has quickly demonstrated the leadership, financial discipline and operational expertise required to help guide Happy Belly through its next stage of growth," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "His deep understanding of franchised restaurant systems, public-company reporting and scalable financial operations makes him the right person to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. As we continue expanding across Canada and advancing our U.S. growth strategy, Ian will be instrumental in supporting disciplined growth, franchisee success and long-term shareholder value."

Before joining Happy Belly, Mr. Thomas spent nine years at Boston Pizza International, Canada's leading casual dining brand, where he served as Vice President of Finance, including four years in a dual role as Vice President of Business Technology. He oversaw financial operations for both the private franchisor and the public income fund, managed complex financial reporting requirements, and led profitability and cost-savings initiatives across multiple business segments. His leadership contributed to sustained annual improvements in franchisee profitability and operational efficiency.

Mr. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). Throughout his career, he has built high-performing finance teams, implemented scalable systems, and provided boards and executive leadership with data-driven insights supporting disciplined growth and effective risk management.

As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Thomas will oversee Happy Belly's financial strategy, financial reporting, forecasting, risk management and financial systems. He will work closely with the Company's board of directors, our Vice President of Finance Josh Hone, and the executive leadership team as Happy Belly continues to scale its growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

"On behalf of the Board and our entire team, I want to thank Shawn Moniz for stepping into the role of interim Chief Financial Officer over the past year," added Sean Black. "His leadership, commitment and steady oversight helped strengthen our financial operations during an important transitional period of growth for the Company. Shawn's willingness to take on this additional responsibility reflects the dedication he continues to bring to Happy Belly, and we are grateful for his continued contributions."

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

Franchising
For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.

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. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others.

Happy Belly Food Group

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Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

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