## Happy Belly Food Group Accelerates Expansion with New Rosie’s Burgers Opening and Debt Reduction
**Toronto, Ontario – January 16, 2026** – Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (OTCQB: HBFGF), a consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is significantly advancing its growth trajectory with the grand opening of its 12th Rosie’s Burgers location in Waterloo, Ontario, this Saturday, January 17th. The new establishment at 15 King St S, Unit 5, is part of an ambitious national rollout that includes 113 Rosie’s locations currently in development and a robust pipeline of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across the company’s diverse brand portfolio.
This expansion news is further bolstered by the strategic financial move of K2 & Associates, a key investor, converting a $2,000,000 CDN convertible debenture into common shares. This conversion, executed ahead of its June 10, 2027 maturity, effectively removes the convertible debt from Happy Belly’s balance sheet, strengthening its financial footing and signaling continued confidence from its stakeholders.
The Rosie’s Burgers brand, celebrated for its signature smash burgers, crispy fries, and classic milkshakes, is strategically targeting vibrant communities with a youthful demographic. The choice of Waterloo, a city renowned for its educational institutions, including the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, with a combined student population exceeding 60,000, underscores this strategy.
“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,” stated Sean Black, CEO 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 post-secondary 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.”
The company’s dual expansion strategy, combining franchised growth with corporate-led openings, is designed to accelerate brand development and solidify Happy Belly’s position as a leading consolidator in the Canadian restaurant sector. “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,” Black added. “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.”
The conversion of the K2 & Associates debenture is a significant indicator of investor confidence. This move not only cleans up the balance sheet by eliminating debt but also increases K2’s equity stake, demonstrating their belief in Happy Belly’s long-term strategy and leadership.
“We are just getting started,” Sean Black concluded, signaling further aggressive growth plans.
**About K2 & Associates:**
K2 & Associates is a distinguished Canadian hedge fund manager with over two decades of experience specializing in multi-strategy and event-driven investments. Their approach focuses on wealth building and capital preservation through rigorous analysis, strategic execution, and strong relationship management. K2 has established a reputation as a reliable partner and lead investor for companies seeking risk capital.
**About Rosie’s Burgers:**
Rosie’s Burgers is a quick-service restaurant concept dedicated to crafting delicious, handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. The brand emphasizes nostalgic flavors and a neighborhood-centric approach, aiming to deliver a simple yet perfected dining experience.
**About Happy Belly Food Group:**
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a dynamic company focused on acquiring and scaling promising emerging food brands. Their growing portfolio includes established names such as Heal Wellness, Rosie’s Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, and Via Cibo Italian Street Food, among others. The company trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: HBFG) and OTCQB (OTCQB: HBFGF).
**Franchising Inquiries:**
Interested parties can explore franchising opportunities with Happy Belly Food Group by visiting www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contacting [email protected].
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