Happy Belly Food Group has signed a 10th franchise agreement for its Yolks Breakfast restaurant brand and secured a new location in Toronto, Canada, with its first multi-unit franchisee.

Yolks specialises in breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings.

The agreement marks a further step in the expansion of Yolks Breakfast, integrating the brand into Happy Belly’s accelerated franchising framework.

The company's asset-light strategy, combined with growing interest from potential franchisees, is driving its expansion in the breakfast category.

Happy Belly’s approach is expected to strengthen Yolks’ market position.

Happy Belly CEO Sean Black stated: “As one of the fastest-growing segments in the restaurant industry, breakfast continues to gain momentum - an opportunity we embraced with the acquisition of Yolks.

“Following the successful debut of Yolks in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, we're excited to share that the franchisee has signed a second franchise agreement and secured a new location in Toronto's Bloor West Village.

"This same franchisee already operates two other Happy Belly brands - Heal Wellness and Lettuce Love Café - within the same community, demonstrating strong alignment and belief in our portfolio of emerging brands.”

The new location is expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

With 606 locations under contract-spanning projects in development, under construction or already open, the company emphasises its focus on selecting suitable partners and prime real estate to support its franchise pipeline.

Black added: “Our approach has always been to focus on the development and growth of emerging brands in the food sector.

“Yolks Breakfast was an accretive acquisition by Happy Belly Food Group, and it is anticipated that our franchising programme will continue to deliver new franchised locations that will drive both top line and bottom-line profitability for Happy Belly.”