Happy Belly Food Group Expands Ghost Taco in Western Canada

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has signed a significant area development agreement for the Ghost Taco brand, marking a major expansion into Western Canada. The agreement, covering 50 new units in Alberta and British Columbia, is part of the company’s strategy to accelerate the growth of Ghost Taco in the region.

Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of Western Canada for Ghost Taco.

Travers, with over 23 years of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) experience, has developed more than 170 restaurants throughout his career. He was the first-ever Extreme Pita franchisee and later became the first Area Developer for Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito, and Via Cibo.

The agreement is part of Happy Belly's broader strategy to partner with experienced operators and area developers to expand its portfolio of emerging restaurant brands. The company believes this approach provides a scalable path to growth while leveraging the operating experience, infrastructure, and local market knowledge of its development partners.

With this new 50-unit Area Development Agreement, Ghost Taco now has a development pipeline that is expected to grow the brand to a minimum of 100 locations. The company is focused on execution, opening stores, building the brand, and continuing to secure additional deals across Canada.

Ghost Taco, an Ontario-based fast-casual restaurant brand, serves bold, Mexican-inspired tacos, bowls, sides, and desserts. Founded by Samantha Buckley, Grant Buckley, and Steve Tallas as a pop-up, Ghost Taco has grown into a distinctive multi-location concept known for its playful "unauthentic Mexican" positioning, memorable brand identity, and loyal customer following.

Happy Belly's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and iQ Food Co. The company continues to focus on acquiring and scaling emerging food brands through an asset-light franchise model.