Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR – Free Report) (TSE:QSR) by 6.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,065,880 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock after purchasing an additional 64,670 shares during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp owned 0.31% of Restaurant Brands International worth $78,769,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 1.9% during the fourth quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 8,451 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $577,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares in the last quarter. Capital Analysts LLC raised its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 20.6% in the 4th quarter. Capital Analysts LLC now owns 924 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 8,029 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $548,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 4.1% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 4,354 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $322,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Applied Finance Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC now owns 9,440 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $644,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.29% of the company’s stock.
Analyst Ratings Changes QSR has been the subject of a number of research reports. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $88.00 to $84.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 7th. Scotiabank upped their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a research report on Thursday, May 7th. Guggenheim increased their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, May 26th. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $79.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $72.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, May 7th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $84.14.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Restaurant Brands International
Restaurant Brands International Price Performance Shares of QSR stock opened at $73.82 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.55, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $74.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $73.17. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a 12 month low of $61.33 and a 12 month high of $81.96. The company has a market capitalization of $25.78 billion, a PE ratio of 25.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.50.
Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR – Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 6th. The restaurant operator reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.24 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a net margin of 9.96% and a return on equity of 32.80%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.75 EPS. Analysts predict that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 4.04 earnings per share for the current year.
Restaurant Brands International Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 7th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 23rd were paid a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 23rd. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.5%. Restaurant Brands International’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 91.55%.
Restaurant Brands International Profile (Free Report)
Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE: QSR) is a global quick-service restaurant company formed through the combination of established brands. The company’s principal holdings include Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, each of which operates under its own brand identity and menu. Restaurant Brands International’s business is centered on developing and expanding these franchised restaurant systems, supporting franchisees with brand management, supply chain coordination, and marketing programs.
RBI’s restaurants offer a range of quick-service food and beverage products: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled hamburgers and sandwiches, Tim Hortons for coffee, baked goods and breakfast items, and Popeyes for Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood.
Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Restaurant Brands International Confidence Is Back, But Earnings Show the Consumer Is Being Picky AeroVironment’s Stock Is Down, But Drone Demand Is Taking Off 3M’s Redemption Arc: Can Q2 Earnings Change the Narrative? 3 Photonics Companies Making Quantum Tech Possible Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QSR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR – Free Report) (TSE:QSR).
Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
« PREVIOUS HEADLINEBank of New York Mellon Corp Increases Stake in iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF $USIG
NEXT HEADLINE »Bank of New York Mellon Corp Has $78.68 Million Stock Position in Primerica, Inc. $PRI
Burger King is appealing to picky eaters by pledging to remake any Whoppers that are unsatisfactory, and other perks, as part of a new campaign to prioritize customer feedback.
In February, the burger chain invited customers to share their honest opinion via Listening Initiative that shared the phone number of Tom Curtis, the President of Burger King US and Canada, according to a recent release.
This initiative saw the BK boss’s inbox inundated with thousands of calls and texts, prompting him to put his money where their mouths were.
Under the new initiative, customers can have their Whoppers remade if they’re deemed unsatisfactory. Tamara Beckwith/NY Post To further ensure the customer has it their way, Burger King is also rolling out a Whopper Guarantee. Refrina – stock.adobe.com “When we asked guests where we could do better, they gave us a lot of honest feedback, and now it’s our responsibility to act on it,” Curtis declared.
By popular demand, the burger big-wig appointed a revamped restaurant manager called a “Your Way Champion.”
Along with overseeing operations, the patty purveyor’s pit boss ensures orders adhere to and are prepped to customer specifications, and, when necessary, “make things right.”
To further ensure the customer has it their way, Burger King is also rolling out a Whopper Guarantee.
If the chain’s marquee item doesn’t meet guests expectations, the brand will not only remake the nosh on the spot, but offer their next Whopper free of charge.
Both the Whopper Guarantee and the Your Way Champion initiatives were highlighted in a 60-second ad titled “We’re Here to Help.”
“We’re not going to get everything right every single time, but we’re committed to listening intently and improving every day,” pledged Curtis. “When guests choose us, they expect high-quality food, orders made the way they asked, and a team that’s there when they need us.”
These initiatives are part of Burger King’s new “There’s A New King And It’s You” campaign — debuted in March with an ad spot during the Oscars — which prioritized their customers over their seemingly creepy crowned mascot.
This candid and guest-centric new direction has been credited for helping change the fast food giant’s fortunes, Marketing Dive reported.
In Q1, Burger King U.S. in Q1 saw a 5.8% in comparable sales, reversing a 1.1% dip during the same period in 2025,
This comes as multination fast food titans are increasingly under fire for allegedly prioritizing profits over quality and even dialing back portion size while prices go to Pluto.
In fact, due to this shrinkflation spike and other factors, regional burger chains are increasingly eating their larger counterparts’ lunch.
Industry data shows that cult favorites like Whataburger, and Culver’s are driving growth in the hamburger category compared to competitors like McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
In 2025, California-based In-N-Out’s domestic sales grew by around 10%.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 17, 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 grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness ("Heal") location, located at 14 York Street, in Toronto's downtown core, Ontario, on Saturday July 18th, 2026. This location is being opened by the franchise group led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital, which entered into Heal's largest Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement to date for 45 locations across Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies, and other better-for-you menu offerings built around clean ingredients and an active lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/305536_9ba6a2a394e2abbc_002full.jpg
Being located on York Street in downtown Toronto, our newest Heal Wellness location is positioned in the heart of one of Canada's busiest tourism, entertainment, and commercial districts. The surrounding area benefits from significant year-round pedestrian traffic generated by nearby office towers, condominium communities, transit connections, and major attractions, including the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, The Rec Room, and Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Its proximity to Union Station, the PATH network, Scotiabank Arena, and Toronto's waterfront further attracts a diverse mix of residents, commuters, office workers, event attendees, and international visitors. This combination of population density, tourism activity, and consistent daily traffic creates an ideal environment for Heal's convenient, better-for-you smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies, and other health-focused menu offerings.
"Opening this new Heal location in downtown Toronto marks another important milestone in the brand's Ontario expansion and in the rollout of our 45-location Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement with the group led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Downtown Toronto provides an exceptional platform for Heal, with its dense and diverse customer base, strong pedestrian and transit traffic, and steady flow of residents, professionals, students, visitors, and health-conscious consumers. The market's combination of residential density, office activity, universities and colleges, fitness facilities, retail, hospitality, and entertainment aligns well with Heal's functional, convenient, and grab-and-go offering. We believe these fundamentals support strong long-term potential for this location and further demonstrate the scalability of Heal across high-traffic urban markets."
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/305536_9ba6a2a394e2abbc_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading açaí and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 45 locations now open and more than 163 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/305536_9ba6a2a394e2abbc_004full.jpg
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/305536
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 13, 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 that further to its news release on June 15th announcing the signing of the largest Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement to date for 45 Locations Led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital for Heal Wellness, the franchise group has now secured a real-estate location in Toronto's Leaside neighborhood, at the prominent intersection of Eglinton Avenue East and Laird Drive, as they accelerate their openings through the remainder of 2026 and 2027. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304902_53e7956d943459f9_002full.jpg
Toronto's Leaside neighborhood is one of the city's most established and sought-after urban communities, anchored by a dense residential population, strong household incomes, and a dynamic mix of families, professionals, and students. Situated at the prominent intersection of Eglinton Avenue East and Laird Drive, the location benefits from exceptional visibility, high daily traffic, major national retailers, office employment, and continued investment through the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Together, these attributes create an ideal environment for Heal's fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and clean-ingredient smoothies, serving consumers seeking convenient, health-forward meal options throughout the day.
"Securing a real estate location in Toronto's Leaside neighborhood for one of our multi-unit franchisees is an important step in Heal's disciplined, asset-light expansion strategy," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Our strategy is to partner with experienced franchisees and secure premier locations that can deliver sustainable, long-term growth. Leaside checks every box, from its strong demographics and established retail ecosystem to its exceptional accessibility and growing transit connectivity. This is exactly the type of market where Heal's premium wellness-focused offering can become part of customers' daily routines, and we're excited to continue building our presence across the Greater Toronto Area."
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304902_53e7956d943459f9_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 44 locations now open and more than 164 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal Wellness
Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
Franchising
For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304902_53e7956d943459f9_004full.jpg
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304902
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 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 grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness ("Heal") location located at 370 Taunton Road East, Unit 7, in Taunton Gardens, Whitby, Ontario, this Saturday, July 11th, 2026. This location will see Heal join anchor tenants such as LA Fitness & Farm Boy. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies, and other better-for-you menu offerings built around clean ingredients and an active lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304682_dcc2c98094796a98_002full.jpg
Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for functional, wellness-focused QSR concepts grows across both urban and suburban markets. With its strong brand positioning, scalable format, and expanding franchise pipeline, Heal is well positioned to deepen its footprint across Ontario and other key Canadian regions.
"Opening Heal in Whitby marks another milestone in our Ontario expansion strategy," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Whitby represents a strong, community-oriented market with attractive demographic fundamentals, continued residential growth, and consistent daily traffic driven by families, professionals, students, commuters, and health-conscious consumers. Located in the heart of Durham Region, Whitby benefits from established neighborhoods, growing new communities, strong commuter connectivity, active retail corridors, and access to major transportation routes serving the broader GTA. The market's mix of residential density, schools, fitness, service, grocery, and restaurant uses supports steady visitation throughout the day and aligns well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering. These characteristics make Whitby an ideal location for Heal and support our confidence in the brand's sustainable, long-term unit performance."
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304682_dcc2c98094796a98_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 44 locations now open and more than 164 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.
About Heal Wellness
Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304682
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 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 that further to its news release on June 15th announcing the signing of the largest Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement to date for 45 Locations Led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital for Heal Wellness, the franchise group has now secured a real-estate location in North Oakville, Ontario, as they accelerate their openings through the remainder of 2026 and 2027. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
North Oakville, Ontario, is a rapidly growing suburban market within the Greater Toronto Area, supported by strong residential development, expanding retail corridors, commuter traffic, and a growing base of families, professionals, students, and active lifestyle consumers. The community's continued growth, access to major transportation routes, proximity to established shopping and service nodes, and focus on connected neighborhoods, parks, trails, and community amenities create a compelling environment for Heal's convenient, better-for-you meals. With its mix of daily residents, commuters, young families, and health-conscious consumers, North Oakville offers a strong market for fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and clean-ingredient smoothies as part of an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
"Securing a real estate location in North Oakville for one of our multi-unit franchisees further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban and suburban markets," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This location reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favorable demographic, lifestyle, and traffic fundamentals. North Oakville benefits from significant residential growth, strong retail fundamentals, and a well-balanced mix of families, professionals, commuters, and active lifestyle consumers seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance."
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 43 locations now open and more than 165 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304366
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 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 that further to its press release on September 15th, 2025, announcing a franchisee for the city of Collingwood, it has now secured a real-estate location for that franchisee with a planned opening for fall 2026. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304032_b624cbf33466d8e5_002full.jpg
Collingwood, Ontario, is a well-established four-season destination on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, supported by a strong mix of local residents, seasonal visitors, tourists, and active lifestyle consumers. The city's vibrant downtown, growing residential base, proximity to Blue Mountain, and access to year-round recreation, including skiing, cycling, trails, waterfront activities, and cottage-country traffic, create a compelling market for Heal's convenient, better-for-you meals. With its strong hospitality, retail, and tourism fundamentals, Collingwood offers the ideal mix of families, professionals, students, weekend visitors, and health-conscious consumers who embrace fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and clean-ingredient smoothies as part of their daily routines.
"Securing a real estate location for our franchisee in Collingwood further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban, suburban, and destination markets," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This location reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favorable demographic, lifestyle, and traffic fundamentals. Collingwood benefits from a growing local population, a vibrant tourism economy, and a well-balanced mix of residents, families, visitors, and active lifestyle consumers seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance."
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304032_b624cbf33466d8e5_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 43 locations now open and more than 165 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/304032_b624cbf33466d8e5_004full.jpg
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304032
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$61.33▼
$81.96Dividend Yield3.59%
P/E Ratio25.51
Price Target$83.54
Investors could be forgiven if they thought Restaurant Brands International NYSE: QSR was just another holding company for aging fast-food brands.
That has changed. The numbers from the first quarter of 2026 paint a picture that the market appears to have only partially absorbed. Revenue and income are up. Systemwide sales are on the rise. Investment firms are buying into the company. And the company’s push for modernization and expansion is accelerating.
Get QSR alerts:
Whether investors see similar results when the second quarter figures are released remains to be seen. But investors should be paying attention as the company’s plans are being aggressively rolled out.
Restaurant Brands Is Seeing New MomentumRestaurant Brands, with 33,000 restaurants in more than 125 markets, was assembled over the past dozen years through a series of mergers. Today, it includes Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs.
The business runs almost entirely on franchising, which means the company collects royalties and licensing fees rather than cooking hamburgers itself. The benefit is that earnings are structurally protected from the daily volatility of food costs and labor markets. Instead, the model produces steadier, high-margin cash flows that have long supported a generous dividend.
Burger King Turnaround Is Gaining TractionA significant turning point came in 2022, when management launched a program called Reclaim the Flame, a multi-year effort to rescue Burger King in the United States. The brand had been languishing in its fight with McDonald's NYSE: MCD and Wendy's NASDAQ: WEN. Franchisees were struggling, and the marketing had gone stale.
With plans to invest up to $700 million through 2028, the Reclaim the Flame program was aimed at increasing sales and helping franchisee profitability with improved advertising and digital investments. Part of that initiative, targeting remodels, technology, and kitchen equipment, has already seen $189 million of the $550 million funded. Marketing campaigns, such as the recent early tie-in with the Star Wars film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," have also taken hold.
Sales Growth Signals Real ProgressThe results are encouraging. In the first quarter of 2026, Burger King U.S. delivered comparable sales growth of 5.8%, a swing of nearly seven percentage points from a 1.1% decline in the same quarter a year earlier.
Systemwide sales at the 7,000 restaurants grew 5.5%, and segment adjusted operating income reached $115 million, up from $103 million a year prior. While notable for any restaurant brand. For Burger King, they represent a fundamental shift in the business.
The company’s international segment also enjoyed a significant increase. Its 16,400 restaurants reported a 5.7% increase in comparable sales during the quarter compared with a year earlier, more than twice the pace of growth in the year-ago period.
Strong Financial Results Support ExpansionThe broader portfolio reflects a similar momentum. While the restaurant chains collected $11.5 billion from sales in the first quarter, up $1 billion from a year ago, not all of that flows to the parent company.
Total corporate revenue for the first quarter rose above analysts’ expectations to $2.26 billion from $2.11 billion a year earlier. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to 86 cents from 75 cents, also beating what analysts expected. Adjusted operating income climbed to $610 million from $539 million. GAAP net income from continuing operations doubled to $445 million.
Consolidated systemwide sales growth reached 6.2%, supported by 5.7% comparable sales growth in the international segment, which spans markets from Europe to Latin America to Southeast Asia. Under current plans, it also represents the company's most significant long-term expansion opportunity.
With plans to be 99% franchised by 2028, the company has said it plans to add 1,800 new units per year through that date, with a particular focus on the expansion of Burger King China.
Analysts See More Upside AheadOverall MarketRank™86th Percentile
Analyst RatingModerate Buy
Upside/Downside15.3% Upside
Short Interest LevelBearish
Dividend StrengthStrong
News Sentiment0.84 Insider TradingN/A
Proj. Earnings Growth9.34%
See Full Analysis
The recent results have analysts mostly encouraged. Of the 25 analysts following the stock, they have a consensus rating of Moderate Buy, with 15 placing the company as a Buy, nine rating it a Hold, and one recommending Sell. The average 12-month target price is $83.54 per share, suggesting an approximately 15% upside.
Beyond the targeted appreciation, the company also has an attractive dividend yield, currently about 3.6% based on its quarterly payout of 65 cents per share.
Management also announced that it bought back $34 million of company stock in the first quarter, with an additional $26 million purchased in April, leaving $940 million remaining under the board's broader authorization.
Risks Still Deserve Investor AttentionDespite the positive numbers and trajectory, the risks for Restaurant Brands remain. While the highest analyst target price is $92 per share, the lowest is $60, signaling clearly that some doubts remain.
Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffee-and-breakfast chain that accounts for approximately 38% of the company's operating profits, saw comparable sales grow only 1.5% in the first quarter. Popeyes, which has over 3,500 outlets, had a difficult first quarter with comparable sales in the United States falling 6.5%, and adjusted operating income slipping to $57 million from $60 million.
The broader consumer discretionary sector is also prone to sudden changes. Rising costs, consumer preferences, tariffs, and franchisee financial health are all active concerns.
A Promising Story Still Needs ConfirmationFor investors, the momentum is attractive, but the strategy rollout is not yet complete. Investors wanting a cleaner story might find more comfort in waiting and letting the next quarter or two confirm the trajectory.
Either way, this is not a situation that will likely announce itself loudly. The company is not a startup with a revolutionary new product. It is a franchise operator with four well-known brands, a disciplined management team, and a key brand turnaround that is quietly producing.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Restaurant Brands International Right Now?Before you consider Restaurant Brands International, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Restaurant Brands International wasn't on the list.
While Restaurant Brands International currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
Nuclear energy is entering a new growth cycle as rising power demand, expanding data centers, and renewed policy support bring the sector back into focus. After strong gains in recent years, the most impactful phase of nuclear investment may still be ahead. This report highlights seven nuclear energy stocks positioned across the value chain—combining near-term revenue with long-term upside as next-generation technologies scale. Click the link below to unlock the full list.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSR) (TSX: QSP) will release its second quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, August 6, 2026, and will host an investor conference call that morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The earnings call will be webcast on the company's investor relations website (https://rbi.com/investors) and a replay will be available for a limited time following the release. Investors may also access the conference call via the following dial-in numbers: 1 (833) 461-5787 for U.S. callers, 1 (365) 657-4084 for Canadian callers, and 1 (206) 407-3770 for callers from other countries. For all dial-in numbers please use the following access code: 686849151.
About Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $48 billion in annual system-wide sales and roughly 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 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 that our wholly owned subsidiary Heal Wellness ("Heal") has secured a real estate location for our existing Richmond Hill franchisee. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/301667_2ded9eba04ce2862_002full.jpg
Richmond Hill, Ontario, combines an affluent, health-conscious, family-oriented population with strong daytime and commuter traffic in the heart of York Region. The city is populated with a large core of residents who are in the prime demographic target for Heal, representing a customer base for convenient, better-for-you meals and snacks. With its diverse, urban-suburban community, strong household base, and proximity to offices, schools, fitness studios, shopping plazas, and major corridors, Richmond Hill offers the ideal mix of families, professionals, students, and active lifestyle consumers who are likely to embrace fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and clean-ingredient smoothies as part of their daily routines.
"Securing a real estate location for our franchisee further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban and suburban markets," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This location reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favorable demographic and traffic fundamentals. The City of Richmond Hill benefits from steady population growth, a growing commercial base, and a well-balanced mix of residents and families seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance."
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/301667_2ded9eba04ce2862_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 42 locations now open and more than 166 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/301667_2ded9eba04ce2862_004full.jpg
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/301667
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 18, 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 grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness location located at #120 70 Shawville BV SE in Shawnessey Village, Calgary, Alberta, this Saturday, June 20th, 2026. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies, and other better-for-you menu offerings built around clean ingredients and an active lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/302038_bc41e90ef494b8b1_002full.jpg
"Opening Heal in Shawnessey Village marks another meaningful milestone in our Alberta expansion strategy," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This location reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favorable demographic and traffic fundamentals. Shawnessey Village benefits from strong daily traffic, dense surrounding residential communities, and a well-established retail environment anchored by major national tenants. As a vibrant retail destination serving South Calgary, the centre is supported by a complementary mix of grocery, fitness, service, and restaurant uses that drive consistent visitation throughout the day. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance."
Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for functional, wellness-focused QSR concepts grows across both urban and suburban markets. With its strong brand positioning, scalable format, and expanding franchise pipeline, Heal is well positioned to deepen its footprint across Alberta and other key Canadian regions.
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/302038_bc41e90ef494b8b1_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 43 locations now open and more than 165 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/302038_bc41e90ef494b8b1_004full.jpg
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/302038
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) on Wednesday posted stronger-than-expected quarterly results.
The company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 82 cents. Quarterly sales of $2.264 billion outpaced the Street view of $2.240 billion.
Restaurant Brands expects 2026 segment G&A expenses, excluding Restaurant Holdings, to range between $600 million and $620 million, while Restaurant Holdings adjusted operating income is projected at approximately $10 million to $20 million.
Restaurant Brands shares gained 2.3% to trade at $78.96 on Thursday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Restaurant Brands following earnings announcement.
Baird analyst David Tarantino maintained Restaurant Brands with a Neutral and raised the price target from $72 to $80. Wells Fargo analyst Zachary Fadem maintained the stock with an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $75 to $80. Considering buying QSR stock? Here’s what analysts think:
Photo via Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 8, 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 that our multi-unit franchisee David Lamph has secured his 8th Heal location in the City of Vaughan, Ontario. This location further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban and suburban markets. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/296625_529c5de9744d586b_002full.jpg
"The securing of our newest location in the City of Vaughan reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favourable demographic and high-traffic fundamentals," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Vaughan, Ontario, is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities and a major economic hub within York Region, supported by a growing residential population, a dynamic business community, strong commuter patterns, and access to key transportation networks. These characteristics create a compelling environment for Heal Wellness as we continue to bring our clean-ingredient, better-for-you offering to high-density suburban markets across the GTA."
Located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Vaughan brings together established family neighbourhoods, employment corridors, retail destinations, sports and recreation amenities, and a young, active customer base. This makes it a natural fit for Heal's acai and smoothie wellness brand, serving residents, professionals, athletes, busy parents, students, and visitors seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance.
Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for wellness-focused QSR concepts accelerates across major Canadian cities. With a scalable format, strong unit economics, and an expanding network of experienced franchise partners, Heal is well positioned to deepen its presence across Ontario while expanding into additional Canadian and U.S. markets.
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/296625_529c5de9744d586b_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading açaí and smoothie bowl brand. With 39 locations open and more than 169 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S. to create long-term value for our shareholders."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal Wellness
Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
Franchising
For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/296625_529c5de9744d586b_004full.jpg
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/296625
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
ToplineEarnings from the first three months of 2026 show food businesses leaning on value menus and price cuts are gaining share as mid-tier fast food chains like Wingstop and Popeyes are losing, with executives warning they expect low-income consumers to pull back even more as rising gas prices from the Iran War and inflationary pressure heighten anxiety about spending.
A McDonald's Big Mac Combo Meal is shown. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Key FactsReporting U.S. same-store sales growth of 3.9% in the first quarter—which the company attributed to its Extra Value Meals and McValue menus—McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski warned Thursday that elevated gas prices will disproportionately impact low-income consumers and fast food visits from households earning $45,000 or less are continuing to decline.
Restaurant Brands International reported Wednesday Burger King US same-store sales growth of 5.8% in the first quarter, roughly double analyst expectations of about 3%, driven by value items including the $3.99 King Junior Meal, while Popeyes same-store sales declined 6.5% in the quarter.
Last week, Yum Brands reported Taco Bell same-store sales growth of 8% in the first quarter largely due to its Luxe Value Menu, while its other portfolio brands KFC and Pizza Hut lagged behind as CEO Chris Turner said the company is planning on adopting Taco Bell’s value playbook across its other brands to capture customers again.
Last week, Wingstop reported domestic same-store sales down 8.7% year-over-year, with management citing rising fuel prices that "stressed the balance sheet of the lower-income consumer that our business overindexes to."
In April, PepsiCo reported first-quarter net revenue growth of 8.5%, after the company cut prices on Lay's, Tostitos, Doritos and Cheetos by as much as 15% in February to win back cost-conscious shoppers.
Wendy's reported Friday same-store sales fell 7.8% year-over-year, with chief accounting officer Suzie Thuerk adding that the company is “performing better with the higher income consumer than the lower income consumer” as they expect continued pressure on low-income consumers.
Crucial Quote“They’re literally running out of money at the end of the month,” Kraft Heinz’s new CEO Steve Cahillane told Bloomberg. “We’re seeing negative cash flows in the lower-income brackets where they’re dipping into savings.” In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Cahillane added that while the food and beverage industry has been battling to be as affordable as possible, consumers haven’t been able to handle even that.
Key BackgroundThe pattern unfolding across fast food earnings is the clearest evidence yet of a bifurcated consumer that economists and CEOs have dubbed the “K-shaped economy”–where higher-income households’ gains widen while lower-income households’ losses widen, like the two diverging strokes of the letter K. The logic goes that higher-income households earning more than $125,000 a year, buoyed by stock market gains, home equity and stable white-collar jobs keep spending, while lower and middle-income households, squeezed by years of cumulative inflation on essentials like rent, groceries and insurance, continue to pull back as the financial burdens mount. The term gained traction in 2023, when the wealthy bounced back almost immediately after the pandemic while service workers and renters struggled once pandemic stimulus checks dried up. In practice, the K-shaped economy indicates national averages such as GDP growth, consumer spending and the unemployment rate can look healthy driven by the top spenders even as a large slice of the country feels like it's in a recession. The top 10% of earners account for nearly half of all U.S. consumer spending, according to Moody’s Analytics.
Tangent Consumer sentiment hit another all-time low Friday, dropping to 48.2 in May from a previous record low of 49.8 in April, with one-third of respondents citing gas prices due to the Iran War and 30% mentioning President Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. Facing economic pressure, consumers are taking on debt to make ends meet: Car loans in the U.S. were at a record $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, surging 23.5% from 2020. Average credit card balance per consumer stands at $6,519, up 2.3% year over year, with a larger share of borrowers becoming either superprime with a credit score of 780 or higher, or subprime, with a credit score below 600, according to a TransUnion report released April 30.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 11, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce that, further to its May 28th, 2025 news release announcing the signing of a franchise agreement for Heal Wellness in the province of Nova Scotia, Heal Wellness ("Heal"), its fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick-serve restaurant ("QSR") brand, has secured a real estate location in the City of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This location represents the first of two planned Heal Wellness locations in Halifax for multi-unit franchisee Wade Bruce and is expected to open in Q3 2026.
Figure 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/296883_d3dc21fe1463da6f_001full.jpg
Halifax, Nova Scotia is an attractive market for Heal Wellness, supported by strong population growth, a young and active demographic profile, and a growing demand for convenient, better-for-you food options. As the largest urban centre in Atlantic Canada, Halifax continues to attract students, young professionals, families, and newcomers, creating a strong customer base for Heal's fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, smoothies, and wellness-focused quick-serve menu. With a significant working-age population, a vibrant downtown core, major universities, healthcare and government employment hubs, and an increasingly health-conscious consumer base, Halifax provides an ideal environment for Heal Wellness to expand its presence in Atlantic Canada as we further advance our disciplined, asset-light growth strategy .
"We are very pleased to announce that Wade has secured real estate for his first Heal Wellness location in Halifax," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "This is an important next step following the previously announced signing of his franchise agreement for the city. Halifax continues to be an important city for our Atlantic Canada expansion. Each secured real estate location strengthens our national growth pipeline and brings us one step closer to bringing Heal's product offering to more cities in Atlantic Canada. As we continue to scale Heal and the rest of Happy Belly's portfolio of emerging brands, our focus remains on executing with the 3Ps: People, Product, and Process."
Figure 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/296883_d3dc21fe1463da6f_002full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading açaí and smoothie bowl brand. With 39 locations open and more than 169 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S. to create long-term value for our shareholders."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Figure 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/296883_d3dc21fe1463da6f_003full.jpg
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/296883
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Yum China's primary brands are KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, of which it has exclusive rights to operate and sub-license in China (paying a 3% systemwide sales royalty back to its former parent company). Yum China increased its revenue from $7.2 billion in FY 2017 to $11.8 billion in FY 2025. That's a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. Yum China has a stellar financial position. The company carries essentially no long-term debt at all.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce its unaudited financial results and corporate update for the fiscal quarter ended March 31st, 2026.
Q1 2026 Financial and Recent Business Highlights
System-wide sales across Quick Service Restaurants (QSR") totalled $19.3M in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up 80.4% versus the same quarter last year (2025 - $10.7M). The increase is attributed to organic baseline restaurant growth, alongside increased restaurant count, which reached 87 operating restaurants at the end of Q1 2026, up 74.0% versus 50 in the prior year.
Total operating revenues, services, interest income and rebates totalled $6.0M in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up 82.2% versus the same quarter last year (2025 - $3.3M). Year-over-year growth was driven by continued sales growth in QSR, multiple business acquisitions in the past twelve months, and net new restaurants (10 new openings in Q1).
Total product sales totalled $4.7M in the first quarter of 2026, up 70.3% versus the same quarter last year (2025 - $2.8M). In addition, royalties and franchise fee revenues reached $0.97M during the quarter, up 118% from the prior year (2025 - $0.45M), which was driven by an increase in royalties collected from added franchised restaurants in the system.
Adjusted EBITDA was $(0.17M) or (2.9%) in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 versus $0.14M or 4.2% in the same quarter last year.
Total cash and cash equivalents remain healthy at $6.2M as of March 31, 2026 (2025 - $3.0M).
As of April 30, 2026, subsequent to fiscal 2025, the Company has opened and is operating 17 additional restaurants.
Management Commentary "Happy Belly continued to deliver strong growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with system-wide sales across our Quick Service Restaurant portfolio increasing 80.4% year over year to $19.3 million. This growth reflects continued organic baseline restaurant performance, the contribution of recent acquisitions, and the expansion of our operating restaurant base to 87 locations at quarter end, up 74.0% from the prior year," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "During the quarter, we opened 10 new restaurants, further demonstrating the strength and repeatability of our growth model. Subsequent to quarter end, we continued that momentum, with 7 additional restaurants opened and operating. This continued expansion reinforces the demand for our brands and the effectiveness of our area developer and franchise platform."
"Total operating revenues also increased 82.2% year over year to $6.0 million, while total product sales increased 70.3% to $4.7 million. Importantly, royalties and franchise fee revenues grew 118% to $0.97 million, driven by the continued expansion of franchised restaurants across our system. This is a key metric for us as we scale towards 100+ operating locations in the first half of this year. As our restaurant footprint grows, these higher-margin revenue streams become an increasingly important contributor to our financial profile."
"With $6.2 million in cash at quarter end, and less than $60,000 in total secured debt, we remain well positioned to continue executing our strategy without having to slow down. We are proud of the progress made in Q1 2026 and remain focused on disciplined growth, operational execution, and scaling Happy Belly as a leading acquirer and operator of emerging food brands. Our expanding franchise system provides increased royalty and franchise fee revenues providing a strong foundation for long-term shareholder value creation. Moving forward in 2026 we anticipate delivering significant organic growth, surpassing our original expectations for the full year. With cash in the bank, building the business in the back half of 2026 is going to be a lot of fun".
"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.
Full details of the financial reports and operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, are described in the Company's consolidated financial statements with accompanying notes and related Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
FOOTNOTES:
1. Adjusted EBITDA Is a non-IFRS financial measure which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are used by management as supplemental measures to review and assess operating performance and to provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends impacting the Company's business. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA are useful measures of operating performance and the Company's ability to generate cash-based earnings, as they provide a more relevant position of operating results by excluding the effects of financing and investing activities, which removes the effects of interest, depreciation and amortization expenses as well as other expenses, as described, that are not reflective of the Company's underlying business. This non-IFRS measure is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net comprehensive income or (loss), excluding interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted for share-based compensation, gain (loss) on equity investments and sublease, expected credit loss and non-recurring expenses.
Franchising
For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/297276
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Restaurant Brands International has outperformed McDonald's Corporation recently, driven by stronger U.S. sales growth and market share gains. My valuation-driven “Flipping Burger” strategy proposes rotating between QSR and MCD as their valuation premium narrows or widens. QSR delivered 5.8% U.S. same-store sales growth in Q1 versus MCD's 3.9%, and QSR's EPS grew 14.5% versus MCD's 6%.
By You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.
Burger King president Tom Curtis told Business Insider it could take decades to fully execute the chain's comeback strategy. Burger King; Sergi Alexander/Sergi Alexander/Eyeworks Production Burger King wants to be crowned the top burger chain — and while company leadership says its turnaround effort could take decades, it's already showing results.
"'Reclaim the Flame' is, frankly, a two-decade strategy because of everything that has to be done," Burger King US and Canada president Tom Curtis said during a press briefing attended by Business Insider.
The "Reclaim the Flame" initiative, launched in 2022 after years of declining sales and operational struggles, is Burger King's turnaround plan aimed at boosting traffic and franchisee profitability through restaurant remodels, operational improvements, and investments in the Whopper, the chain's signature burger.
At the time, the company pledged to invest $400 million into the effort over the following two years. (For comparison, Red Lobster's comeback plan was backed by $60 million in funding.)
As of August 2025, Burger King still ranked third among US burger chains by sales, according to QSR Magazine, behind McDonald's and Wendy's.
"We've been really working the last four years to improve the restaurant experience — our operations, our technology in the restaurants, remodeling — and we're also elevating our food," Burger King chief marketing officer Joel Yashinsky told Business Insider.
Yashinsky said the company is also trying to make customers feel more connected to the brand by leaning into Burger King's long-standing emphasis on customization, dating back to its "Have It Your Way" slogan introduced in 1974.
"We want the guest to have ownership in the brand," Yashinsky said. "Burger King was the first to really realize people liked customization."
Burger King has doubled down on the Whopper, betting big on its signature burger to fuel the chain's comeback
Burger King recently updated its Whopper with a new box, bun, and mayonnaise. Erin McDowell/Business Insider This renewed focus includes recent campaigns to improve the Whopper's presentation and listening to customer feedback on how to elevate it, rather than solely introducing new menu items.
"We found an interesting way to do it through listening and taking action, and consumers see us listening to the feedback," Curtis told Business Insider.
For example, Burger King had been receiving feedback that Whoppers often ended up smushed in the bag because they were wrapped only in paper. As of February, the Whopper is now served in a cardboard box. The chain also upgraded some of its components, adding a creamier mayonnaise and a new, glossier bun.
"It's all about putting the guest first and delivering what they're looking for from Burger King," Yashinsky said. "We just want to be a brand that really authentically listens and acts to what the guests are looking for."
Yashinsky said the company is also trying to improve quality without raising prices for customers. Burger King kept the Whopper at the same price even as it upgraded the burger and its packaging.
"The fact that we're investing and not shrinking value through cutting sizes or cutting cost in different ways, but actually investing in the packaging and investing in a better bun, those little things matter, and customers notice that," he said.
Despite a challenging market, the comeback is showing positive signs
Reality star Kyle Cooke promoted "Wednesdays should be fun" to support Whopper Wednesday on April 15, 2026 Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Burger King Curtis described Burger King's position several years ago as dire, saying the brand faced an "existential threat." He said that when he joined Burger King in 2021, a former boss showed him an article predicting the chain would disappear within a decade.
But four years after launching "Reclaim the Flame," the turnaround plan is taking shape.
The chain, like others in the QSR industry, has focused much of its marketing on value, with campaigns such as "Whopper Wednesday," $5 Duos, and $7 Trios to draw in customers.
In the first quarter, Burger King reported 5.8% same-store sales growth in the US, outperforming its competitors in the QSR burger segment. (McDonald's same-store sales increased 3.9%, while Wendy's sales declined by 7.8% in Q1.)
It's also a notable increase from the same period last year, when the chain reported a 1.6% same-store sales growth.
Company leadership cited new, family-focused initiatives, like the chain's King Junior meals and its SpongeBob-themed meal collaboration, as part of the reason for the growth. Curtis said in the earnings call that kids' meal sales had risen about 40% over the past six months, CNBC reported.
Whopper sales are also up.
QSR Magazine reported that, in the last quarter, Burger King restaurants posted their highest average Whopper sales per location in more than three years.
Looking ahead, Yashinsky told Business Insider that Burger King plans to continue modernizing restaurants, expanding its franchisee network, launching new innovations, and elevating its most popular menu items while staying true to the chain's roots.
"Burger King will feel different [in five years] than it does today pretty significantly, but we're not changing who we are," he said. "We're going back more toward 'Have It Your Way.'"
Read next
Erin McDowell You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.
Erin McDowell is a reporter on Business Insider's editorial partnerships team. She covers food, lifestyle, and entertainment for Business Insider and its partner sites, including MSN, Apple News, and Yahoo.She graduated from Elon University in January 2019, where she studied strategic communications and digital art. She has written for V Magazine, Milk.XYZ, OUT.com, Brides Magazine, and more. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and can be found on LinkedIn. Please send all inquiries, comments, or tips to [email protected] stories:
Celebrity-chef restaurants and Applebee's are using the same playbookChain restaurants like Chili's are coming for fast-food giants in the latest bout of the value warsI tried double cheeseburgers from 13 fast-food chains. I thought the best burger was also the best deal.I ate at the first Applebee's and IHOP hybrid restaurant in the US. Its plan to attract younger diners could just work.The chicken sandwich wars are over. Make way for the chicken tender battle.I ate the same meal at TGI Fridays and Chili's. It's clear why only one is thriving.I compared 2 world-famous barbecue spots in Texas. Both had impressive meat options, but the sides at one were way better.How 'The Bachelor' franchise went from a cultural phenomenon to a relic of reality televisionMeet Jacob Knowles, a 5th-generation Maine lobsterman who is sharing his unique career with legions of online fans Burger King Fast Food
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 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 that our multi-unit franchisee David Lamph has secured his 9th Heal location, located in the City of Waterloo, Ontario. This location further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban and suburban markets. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/298178_496694bed4b8eadc_002full.jpg
"The securing of our newest location in the City of Waterloo reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favourable demographics and high-traffic fundamentals," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Positioned between the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, this location places Heal Wellness in the heart of one of Canada's most attractive student markets, with access to a dense, walkable customer base of students, faculty, staff, and young professionals."
With more than 41,000 full- and part-time students at the University of Waterloo and over 17,500 undergraduate and graduate students at Laurier's Waterloo campus, Heal Wellness will be located near approximately 58,500 students within the immediate university area. This demographic aligns strongly with the Heal Wellness concept, as today's students increasingly seek quick, healthy, customizable, and portable food options that support their active lifestyles. Our menu of açai bowls, smoothies, protein add-ons, fresh fruit, and wellness-focused offerings is designed to meet that demand.
Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for wellness-focused QSR concepts accelerates across major Canadian cities. With a scalable format, strong unit economics, and an expanding network of experienced franchise partners, Heal is well positioned to deepen its presence across Ontario while expanding into additional Canadian and U.S. markets.
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/298178_496694bed4b8eadc_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading açaí and smoothie bowl brand. With 39 locations open and more than 169 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S. to create long-term value for our shareholders."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly Food Group
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/298178_496694bed4b8eadc_004full.jpg
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/298178
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
, /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE/TSX: QSR, TSX: QSP) ("RBI") announced today that Patrick Doyle, Executive Chairman, and Josh Kobza, Chief Executive Officer will participate in a fireside chat at the Bernstein 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference in New York City on May 28, 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time.
A live audio webcast will be available on the company's investor relations website (http://rbi.com/investors) and a replay will be available for a limited time following the event.
About Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $48 billion in annual system-wide sales and roughly 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.
RBI's principal executive offices are in Miami, Florida. In North America, RBI's brands are headquartered in their home markets where they were founded decades ago: Canada for Tim Hortons and the U.S. for Burger King, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company's website at www.rbi.com.
A shift is underway in the quick-service restaurant sector (QSR). Yum! Brands NYSE: YUM is in exclusive talks to divest its Pizza Hut division to private equity firm LongRange Capital in a deal valued between $3.6 billion and $4.3 billion. This strategic move signals a pivot forced by macro headwinds such as wage inflation and shifts in consumer behavior driven by GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Yum! Brands Today
$153.20 +2.12 (+1.40%)
As of 06/11/2026 03:59 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$137.33▼
$169.39Dividend Yield1.96%
P/E Ratio24.71
Price Target$176.12
By shedding a legacy asset, Yum! Brands is creating a leaner, higher-margin entity and, in doing so, has established a new valuation benchmark that immediately impacts its closest peer, Restaurant Brands International NYSE: QSR.
Get Yum! Brands alerts:
This divestiture provides a clear roadmap for unlocking shareholder value, prompting institutional capital to ask which industry giant is the next domino to fall. The initial catalyst at Yum! Brands is only the first part of the trade. The more nuanced opportunity lies in front-running the inevitable capital rotation into its most logical alternative.
A Balance Sheet on a DietThe primary driver behind the Pizza Hut sale is balance sheet optimization. The transaction is set to be a transformative deleveraging event for Yum! Brands. With proceeds earmarked for debt reduction, Yum! Brands’ net long-term debt is projected to fall from $9.3 billion to approximately $5.3 billion. This move will compress leverage to a much more manageable 1.7x trailing 12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), fundamentally de-risking Yum! Brands for equity holders.
Overall MarketRank™92nd Percentile
Analyst RatingModerate Buy
Upside/Downside15.0% Upside
Short Interest LevelHealthy
Dividend StrengthStrong
News Sentiment0.88 Insider TradingSelling Shares
Proj. Earnings Growth9.73%
See Full Analysis
Operationally, the benefits are just as compelling. Pizza Hut has been a significant drag on performance, posting 10 consecutive quarters of declining U.S. comparable sales and diluting corporate margins. Its removal allows the high-growth, high-margin profiles of Taco Bell and KFC to dominate the consolidated financials.
This streamlined focus not only improves the quality of earnings but also secures the capital return program. The Yum! Brands annualized dividend of $3, yielding roughly 2% with a 48% payout ratio, becomes substantially safer post-transaction, providing a stable footing for income-oriented investors. While insider trading has been skewed towards sales under programmed 10b5-1 plans, the recent accumulation by major institutions signals a clear vote of confidence in this strategic direction.
Valuation Floor: The Hidden Value in Legacy BrandsPrivate equity transactions involving legacy brands are exceptionally telling. When a firm like LongRange Capital places a multi-billion-dollar valuation on a struggling asset, it establishes a hard valuation floor for every comparable asset in the public markets.
This is the essence of a Sum-of-the-Parts (SOTP) re-rating. The multiple paid for Pizza Hut, an asset with demonstrable performance issues, forces the market to immediately recalculate the intrinsic value of healthier, growing brands. If a lagging asset commands, for example, a 4x EBITDA multiple, it forces investors to question the implied valuation of a thriving brand like Popeyes, which could reasonably command a 6x or 7x multiple on its own.
This catalyst ripples directly to Restaurant Brands International, whose portfolio includes Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. Restaurant Brands International just posted 3.2% same-store sales growth and expanded its operating margins to a robust 26.8% in Q1 2026.
Suppose the market accepts a premium valuation for the lagging Yum! Brands pizza chain, then the stronger, more resilient brands under the Restaurant Brands International umbrella appear fundamentally undervalued at their current trading multiples. This valuation discrepancy is the core of the sympathy play.
An Obvious Destination for Rotational CapitalAs Yum! Brands’ stock price absorbs the positive news from the divestiture, its valuation will stretch. Institutional allocators seeking to maintain sector exposure without overpaying will naturally rotate capital from the newly expensive Yum! Brands into its closest, and now relatively cheaper, competitor. Restaurant Brands International is the optimal destination for this capital migration for several key reasons.
Restaurant Brands International Today
QSR
Restaurant Brands International
$73.90 +0.70 (+0.96%)
As of 06/11/2026 03:59 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$61.33▼
$81.96Dividend Yield3.52%
P/E Ratio26.02
Price Target$83.54
First, its business model is a direct parallel to Yum! Brands, making it an easy analytical switch for portfolio managers. Second, Restaurant Brands International is already engaged in aggressive shareholder-friendly actions, including a newly authorized $500 million share repurchase program and a formidable 3.5% dividend yield.
This robust shareholder return profile acts as a powerful magnet for institutional funds. Finally, despite its own macro challenges, such as elevated beef costs impacting Burger King’s restaurant-level margins, Restaurant Brands International is demonstrating operational resilience.
Burger King U.S. and International delivered approximately 6% comparable sales growth in the last quarter, proving its core brands can perform under pressure.
The Next Domino to FallThe pressures forcing the hand of Yum! Brands are not unique. The entire fast-food industry is navigating a complex environment defined by shifting consumer tastes and persistent inflation. These headwinds make portfolio optimization less of a choice and more of a necessity for survival and growth. Wall Street’s positive reaction to the Pizza Hut sale sends a clear message to the management and board of every multi-brand operator: trim the fat, or an activist investor will do it for you.
Investors might consider that this places Restaurant Brands International squarely in the spotlight. The market will begin to dissect its portfolio, looking for potential spin-off candidates to unlock a similar SOTP value proposition.
By recognizing this dynamic early, investors can position themselves in Restaurant Brands International not just as a value play relative to Yum! Brands, but as a proactive investment in the sector’s next major strategic overhaul. The trade is no longer just about what Yum! Brands is doing today; it’s about anticipating where the money, and the market’s focus, will move tomorrow.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Yum! Brands Right Now?Before you consider Yum! Brands, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Yum! Brands wasn't on the list.
While Yum! Brands currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
Just getting into the stock market? These 10 simple stocks can help beginning investors build long-term wealth without knowing options, technicals, or other advanced strategies.
, /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSR) ("RBI") today announced the results of the vote on the election of directors at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 3, 2026.
The total number of eligible votes represented in person or by proxy at the meeting was 403,178,212 representing 88.29% of all eligible votes.
RBI's proxy circular provided for ten nominees to the Board of Directors. The ten individuals nominated by the Board of Directors for election as directors of RBI were elected, each to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors are elected or appointed. Each nominee other than Ms. Smith was an incumbent director.
The votes cast with respect to each nominee were as follows:
Director Nominee
Votes For
%
Votes Against
%
Alexandre Behring
386,544,846
97.21 %
10,905,772
2.74 %
Maximilien de Limburg Stirum
396,984,644
99.83 %
616,474
0.16 %
J. Patrick Doyle
393,548,187
98.97 %
4,058,404
1.02 %
Cristina Farjallat
396,848,192
99.80 %
759,417
0.19 %
Ali Hedayat
393,457,494
98.95 %
4,142,830
1.04 %
Marc Lemann
391,720,662
98.51 %
5,882,501
1.48 %
Jason Melbourne
396,839,982
99.80 %
763,563
0.19 %
Daniel S. Schwartz
396,469,148
99.70 %
1,131,612
0.28 %
Marcia Smith
397,229,186
99.90 %
376,898
0.09 %
Thecla Sweeney
394,889,035
99.31 %
2,671,526
0.67 %
Final voting results on all matters at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.
About Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $48 billion in annual system-wide sales and roughly 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.
RBI's principal executive offices are in Miami, Florida. In North America, RBI's brands are headquartered in their home markets where they were founded decades ago: Canada for Tim Hortons and the U.S. for Burger King, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company's website at www.rbi.com.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 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 grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness ("Heal") restaurant, marking the opening of our 40th Heal Wellness location this Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at 994 Ottawa Street, Griffintown, Montreal, Quebec. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/300089_748871e264166885_002full.jpg
The Griffintown location is operated by an existing Happy Belly multi-branded, multi-unit operator, further demonstrating the strength of the Company's platform and the confidence its partners have in expanding alongside its brands.
"Opening Heal in Griffintown marks another meaningful milestone in our Quebec expansion strategy," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This grand opening is especially significant because it reflects the continued confidence of an existing franchise partner who is already operating one of our other brands in Montreal. To see a franchisee expand with us across multiple brands and multiple units is a strong validation of our operating model, the quality of our brand portfolio, and the long-term opportunity we are building at Happy Belly."
Griffintown is one of Montreal's fastest growing and most desirable neighborhoods, known for its dense residential base, strong daytime traffic, mixed-use development, and health-conscious consumer demographic. The area's walkability, urban energy, and concentration of professionals and young families make it a highly attractive market for Heal's fresh, wellness-focused menu of smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies.
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/300089_748871e264166885_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 40 locations now open and more than 168 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly 3
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/300089_748871e264166885_004full.jpg
Sean Black
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Moniz
Co-founder, President
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/300089
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 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 grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness ("Heal") restaurant location this Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at 860 Dundas St, Unit 2, Woodstock, Ontario. This location further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy as the brand continues to expand across Ontario's high-growth urban and suburban markets. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle.
Happy Belly 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/300309_907235442462992a_002full.jpg
Woodstock serves as a regional hub in Southwestern Ontario, benefiting from its strategic location along the Highway 401 corridor and its role as a growing employment and retail center. The city's expanding residential developments, established retail nodes, and increasing focus on wellness-oriented lifestyles provide a compelling backdrop for Heal's smoothie and smoothie bowl products. This location offers strong visibility, accessibility, and proximity to daily-use retail, positioning Heal to capture consistent demand throughout the day.
"Opening Heal in Woodstock marks another meaningful milestone in our Ontario expansion strategy," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "This location reflects our continued focus on expanding Heal into strong, community-oriented markets with favorable demographic and traffic fundamentals. Woodstock benefits from steady population growth, a growing commercial base, and a well-balanced mix of residents, commuters, and families seeking convenient, health-forward food options. These characteristics align well with Heal's functional, grab-and-go offering and support sustainable, long-term unit performance."
Happy Belly 2
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/300309_907235442462992a_003full.jpg
"Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand," said Sean Black. "With 41 locations now open and more than 167 in development, Heal remains a key driver of growth within Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. We continue to build a predictable and disciplined growth engine designed to create long-term shareholder value."
"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
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 across Canada.
Happy Belly Food Group
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/300309_907235442462992a_004full.jpg
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.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/300309
Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Restaurant Brands (QSR - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 9.2% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Restaurant Brands due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Restaurant Brands Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, Rise Y/YRestaurant Brands reported first-quarter 2026 results, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing on a year-over-year basis.
QSR’s Q1 Earnings & Revenue DiscussionThe adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 86 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 82 cents by 4.9%. The reported figure grew 14.7% from the year-ago quarter’s adjusted EPS of 75 cents.
Quarterly net revenues of $2.26 billion beat the consensus mark by 1%. The top line increased 7.3% on a year-over-year basis.
QSR Converts Sales Lift Into Higher ProfitabilitySystem-wide sales were $11.51 billion, and system-wide sales growth was 6.2% on a constant-currency basis. Comparable sales increased 3.2%, up from 0.1% a year ago.
Net restaurant growth was 2.6%, taking the system restaurant count to 32,985 at quarter’s end. Adjusted operating income rose to $610 million from $539 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased to $706 million from $642 million.
Restaurant Brands Sees Burger King OutperformanceBurger King delivered system-wide sales of $2.85 billion, up from $2.70 billion in the prior-year quarter. Comparable sales increased 5.8% versus a 1.3% decline a year ago, reflecting stronger guest engagement in the U.S. market.
The segment reported total revenues of $365 million compared with $356 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating income improved to $115 million from $103 million, aided by higher system-wide sales and lower segment G&A, partially offset by the impact of refranchising activity.
QSR Faces Popeyes Pressure, but Firehouse HoldsPopeyes’ results remained pressured in the quarter. System-wide sales declined to $1.42 billion from $1.48 billion, and comparable sales fell 6.5% following a 4.0% decline in the year-ago quarter due to weaker demand trends in the United States.
Total revenues for Popeyes were $190 million, down from $194 million a year ago, and adjusted operating income edged down to $57 million from $60 million. Firehouse Subs provided a steadier backdrop, with system-wide sales rising to $347 million from $322 million and adjusted operating income increasing to $14 million from $11 million.
Restaurant Brands Benefits From International AccelerationThe International segment was the largest growth engine, with system-wide sales up 11.1% on a constant-currency basis to $5.15 billion. Comparable sales improved 5.7% versus 2.6% in the prior-year quarter, supported by brand momentum across markets.
International total revenues increased to $254 million from $218 million, and adjusted operating income surged to $196 million from $138 million, helped by revenue growth and lower segment F&P expenses. Tim Hortons also posted a positive quarter, with comparable sales up 1.6% and system-wide sales of $1.74 billion, while adjusted operating income increased to $229 million from $220 million.
QSR Highlights Cash Flow, Leverage and Capital ReturnsNet cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $227 million, up from $118 million in the year-ago quarter. Free cash flow increased to $169 million from $54 million, and net leverage improved to 4.2x from 4.7x a year ago.
The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per common share and partnership exchangeable unit of RBI LP for the second quarter of 2026, payable July 7, to its holders of record June 23. QSR repurchased 463,442 common shares for $34 million in the quarter and bought back an additional 337,204 shares for $26 million through April 30, leaving $940 million under its authorization. For 2026, management reiterated expectations for segment G&A (excluding RH) of $600-$620 million, adjusted interest expense of $500-$520 million and total capex and cash inducements of around $400 million, while remaining on track for its long-term targets of 3%+ comparable sales and 8%+ organic adjusted operating income growth.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Restaurant Brands has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Restaurant Brands has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerRestaurant Brands belongs to the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry. Another stock from the same industry, Cheesecake Factory (CAKE - Free Report) , has gained 5% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended March 2026.
Cheesecake Factory reported revenues of $978.83 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5.6%. EPS of $1.05 for the same period compares with $0.93 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Cheesecake Factory is expected to post earnings of $1.13 per share, indicating a change of -2.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -1.9% over the last 30 days.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Cheesecake Factory. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
Square today announced that Coffee Dose, a specialty coffee brand and dining destination founded in 2018 by Jeni and Oscar Castro, is further expanding with Square as its unified commerce platform. Coffee Dose operates four locations across Southern California and is opening two additional concepts this year: Coffee Dose Brunch Club in Encinitas in June 2026, and a 3,600-square-foot flagship in Palm Springs in the fall. Square’s infrastructure is utilized across live locations and will support the brand’s new venues as it scales.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260611677338/en/
Photo of Coffee Dose Brunch Club taken by Jordan Shiley
Founded in 2018 with no coffee industry experience but an ambitious commitment to clean ingredients and irreverent branding, the Castro’s have built a loyal following around their nontraditional approach. Customers seek out Coffee Dose’s distinct menu of therapeutic lattes, house-made syrups, ingredients including charcoal and collagen, and seed oil free, vegan- and keto-friendly food. Since first onboarding Square in 2021, Coffee Dose has scaled from an 88 square foot pop-up occupying the corner of a hair salon into an eight-figure hospitality company, with each location in its growing portfolio possessing a unique identity.
A Commerce Platform Built for Continued Growth
Coffee Dose operates a range of quick-service restaurant (QSR) concepts: a flagship café, a drive-thru called MicroDose, and a walk-up café inside a pink shipping container called Dose in the Box. Across each location, Coffee Dose relies on Square to seamlessly manage operations and maintain a cohesive overview. With two boundary-pushing concepts coming this year, Coffee Dose is further leveraging Square for its ease of use, reporting and analytics capabilities, and partner integrations.
"I don’t see Square as just our point-of-sale system," said Jeni Castro, Co-Founder and CEO of Coffee Dose. "I see it as a partner that helps me scale my business in the most impactful way. The tools are easy for my team to use, the data and reporting help us make informed decisions across locations, and we can bring Square into each new opening without starting from scratch. That matters a lot when you’re growing as quickly as we are and have a thousand details to keep organized."
Coffee Dose’s Square usage spans a blend of hardware and software, including Square Register, Square Handheld, Kitchen Display System (KDS), online ordering for menu items and merchandise, gift cards, and loyalty. This ecosystem gives Coffee Dose operators the tools to run high-volume counter service, manage order flow across channels, and maintain critical customer engagement programs. The Per Diem integration is another key component of Coffee Dose’s technology stack, enabling mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards for guests. From their café counter to a drive-thru lane to a walk-up shipping container window, Square’s platform supports all of the brand’s formats under a single account structure, giving Coffee Dose centralized visibility into sales, inventory, and customer data regardless of location model.
Supporting a Multi-Format, Multi-Location Operation
As Coffee Dose brings its Encinitas Brunch Club and Palm Springs flagship to life in 2026, both locations will run on Square from day one. The Palm Springs location, at 3,600 square feet on an acre of desert land, will be the brand’s largest destination to date and will include a drive-thru and walk-up window, in addition to full interior service – a multi-channel format that maximizes the flexibility Square was designed to unlock.
"Coffee Dose has built a popular, multi-location business that requires a technology platform able to keep pace across distinct formats: from a diner, to a café, to a drive-thru venue," said James Schonzeit, Head of Food & Beverage at Square. "They came to Square in 2021 and have grown significantly since. With two more openings this year, Square gives them the operational foundation to expand with confidence while preserving their standout brand identity across new concepts."
To learn more about how Square powers coffee and food and beverage (F&B) businesses, visit squareup.com/restaurants.
About Coffee Dose
Coffee Dose is a specialty coffee and dining destination founded in 2018 by Jeni and Oscar Castro in Costa Mesa, California. The brand operates four locations across Orange County, with two additional concepts, in Encinitas and Palm Springs, CA, opening in 2026. Coffee Dose is known for its house-made syrups, Rx Lattes, and proprietary Anti Bitch Blend roast, and serves a menu of seed oil free, vegan- and keto-friendly food alongside its core beverage program. For more information, visit coffeedose.cafe.
About Square
Square helps businesses turn transactions into connections and businesses into neighborhood favorites.
In 2009, Square started with a simple invention – the first mobile card reader, which changed how the entire financial system thinks about small businesses. Square has since grown into a global business platform helping millions of sellers of all sizes participate and thrive in their communities.
Whether independently run or a global chain, Square understands that sellers succeed when they have the freedom to focus on the experiences that keep customers coming back. From point of sale and payments to online commerce, staff management, cash flow tools, and more, Square brings together the tools sellers need to run and grow on one intelligent platform. For more information, visit squareup.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260611677338/en/
