Mr. Sean Black reports

HAPPY BELLY FOOD GROUP APPOINTS FORMER BOSTON PIZZA VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY AS THEIR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AS FRANCHISING GROWTH CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has appointed Ian Thomas as executive vice-president of finance, effective immediately.

Mr. Thomas joins Happy Belly with more than 25 years of senior financial leadership experience, including deep expertise in franchised restaurant systems, public and private company reporting, and multidivisional operations. His appointment further strengthens Happy Belly's executive team as the company continues to scale its multibranded franchising platform across Canada while advancing its United States growth strategy.

"Ian brings a rare combination of franchised restaurant expertise, public-company financial discipline and operational leadership," said Sean Black, chief executive officer of Happy Belly. "He has successfully navigated complex reporting environments, driven sustained profitability improvements, and built scalable finance and technology teams within large, high-growth organizations. As Happy Belly enters its next phase of expansion, Ian's experience will be instrumental in strengthening our financial infrastructure, supporting franchisee success and delivering long-term shareholder value."

Mr. Thomas most recently 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. In these roles, he oversaw financial operations for both the private franchisor and the public income fund, managing complex financial reporting requirements and leading 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 demonstrated a strong ability to build high performing finance teams, implement scalable systems, and provide boards and executive leadership with clear, data-driven insights to support disciplined growth and effective risk management.

As executive vice-president of finance, Mr. Thomas will oversee Happy Belly's financial franchising strategy, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls, and financial systems, while working closely with the executive team to support the company's continued expansion across its growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

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

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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