Mr. Sean Black reports

HAPPY BELLY FOOD GROUP PROMOTES IAN THOMAS TO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AS FRANCHISING GROWTH CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has appointed and promoted Ian Thomas to chief financial officer, effective Aug. 6, 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 multidivisional 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 multibranded 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 franchiser 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, Happy Belly's 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 Mr. 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 Mr. Black.

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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