Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce that it has closed, as of April 23rd, 2024, its acquisition of CraveIt Restaurant Group's ("CraveIt") Via Cibo Restaurant Chain ("Via Cibo"), serving fast casual Italian street food made with the best traditional ingredients, as initially announced in the Company's press release dated January 5th, 2024 (the "Transaction")."Happy Belly started 2024 with the signing of the largest M&A it has conducted to date, and today we are pleased to announce the closing of that transaction. This marks a significant stride forward in our journey to becoming a leading consolidator of emerging food brands. The closing of this Transaction represents the incorporation of our 7th restaurant brand, and our 9th brand overall," said Shawn Moniz, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly."Via Cibo, an all-franchised system, is an asset-light entity with established street-front real estate locations in both Ontario and Alberta. Furthermore, Via Cibo is debt free and cashflow positive. The acquisition fits the exact financial metrics and belly check criteria that Happy Belly looks for in an acquisition."

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 23, 2024) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce it has signed a new franchisee agreement in Ontario, specifically for the Greater Toronto Area for its Heal Wellness brand, a fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick serve restaurant. The signing of this new franchisee is the 25th signed franchise agreement for Heal in the last 14 months and 14th for Ontario.