Happy Belly Food Group Inc., a leading consolidator of emerging food brands, is partnering with Cadillac Fairview to open three of its portfolio brands at CF Shops at Don Mills.
IQ Foods, Heal Wellness and Rosie’s Burgers are all set to open at the centre in 2025.
“Our partnership with Cadillac Fairview reflects our commitment to expand in key urban markets with best in market real estate,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. “CF Shops at Don Mills is a premier GTA dining destination, and we’re excited to extend our reach to serve new diners and those who already love our brands.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Happy Belly Food Group to amplify the fast casual dining options we have at the centre,” added Ilene Klein, General Manager, CF Shops at Don Mills. “Dining continues to be a focal point of our retail mix, and I know the local community will respond positively to these new additions.”
In a news release, Happy Belly said this marks the second net new store location for IQ Foods since acquisition on September 18, bringing the brand’s store count to six. IQ Foods is a flagship brand in Canada’s premium healthy eating market serving a variety of delicious and wholesome food options such as healthy bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with other flavorful clean-eating dishes that the whole family can enjoy. IQ caters to thousands of health-conscious customers fostering strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base driven by word-of-mouth and most importantly, satisfied customers, said the company.
“This marks the forty-seventh location for Heal Wellness, a QSR 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,” it said.
Happy Belly said IQ Foods and Heal Wellness will open in a shared 1,500-square-foot store, making this particular combination the first of its kind.
Shared space combinations a key differentiator
“Happy Belly’s real-estate playbook is routed in shared space combinations, allowing us to strategically acquire premium locations of almost any size and brand combination, a key differentiator in today’s market,” said the company.
“CF will be home to Rosie’s ninth retail location. Rosie’s Burgers is a nod to the enduring tradition of genuine hospitality serving quality smashed burgers, sides and milkshakes. Inspired by the simplicity of the classic diner, the menu is uncomplicated and effortlessly delicious. Rosie’s is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger’s and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we’re all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right?”
IQ Foods, Heal Wellness and Rosie’s Burgers will join an established roster of restaurant and food operators at the centre including Eataly, Joey, The Good Son, Taylor’s Landing, Scaddabush, Anejo, MADO, Starbucks, Chipotle and many more.
“We currently have 421 contractually committed retail locations from area developers across all emerging brands in the Happy Belly Portfolio-whether in development, under construction, or already open. As we open new stores, the Happy Belly footprint continues to grow. Our team is committed to sourcing and evaluating real estate, reviewing franchisee applications, and collaborating closely with area developers to support our asset-light franchising model. At present, five of our restaurant brands are simultaneously under construction, and we are excited to announce multiple brand openings throughout 2024-2025. By focusing on securing high-quality franchisees and prime real estate locations across Canada, we will further strengthen our expansion efforts,” said Black.
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