- Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) opens a new Via Cibo location in Barrhaven, Ottawa on April 19, 2025.
- This marks Via Cibo's first multi-unit franchisee expansion, reflecting a successful franchise model.
- Happy Belly plans to expand its 521 contractually committed franchises across Canada through 2025 and 2026.
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF), a key player in acquiring and scaling food brands in Canada, has announced the opening of its newest Via Cibo Italian restaurant in Barrhaven, Ottawa. The grand opening is scheduled for April 19th, 2025, at 3181 Greenbank Road in Chapman Mills Marketplace. This location represents Via Cibo's first multi-unit franchisee expansion, signifying a milestone in the brand's growth strategy.
The new Via Cibo location joins notable tenants like Loblaws, Walmart, and Cineplex Odeon, becoming the second establishment for the brand in Ottawa. The restaurant offers a fast-casual Italian street food concept with authentic chef-driven culinary experiences.
This expansion is aligned with Happy Belly's broader growth strategy in the Canadian quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. The company currently has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations and is set to continue its expansion through 2025 and 2026. The asset-light franchise model adopted by Happy Belly enables rapid growth, allowing the company to strengthen its presence across both Ontario and Western Canada.
Barrhaven was selected for this new location due to its burgeoning population and its reputation as a diverse, family-oriented community. The area is known for its strong residential growth, providing an ideal environment for authentic and high-quality Italian cuisine offerings.
Happy Belly remains committed to its franchising program as a critical driver for revenue and profitability, while continuing to evaluate new real estate opportunities and franchisee applications to support its expanding pipeline.
