Earlier this week, Happy Belly Food Group Inc. reported that further to its announcement of entering into a binding LOI for 50 percent acquisition of the Ghost Taco chain on May 5th, 2026, it has now signed a definitive agreement and closed the acquisition of a 50 percent interest in the Ghost Taco quick casual restaurant chain through a joint venture, with the option to acquire the remaining 50 percent. Happy Belly and Ghost Taco have completed the formation of a joint venture for the purposes of franchise expansion and growth of the Ghost Taco brand. A day later, Happy Belly announced that it has signed a 45-unit area development agreement for the province of Ontario for Ghost Taco. The agreement provides for the development of new franchised Ghost Taco locations. Founded by Samantha and Grant Buckley in 2021, Ghost Taco has grown from a pop-up into a five-location quick casual franchise system known for its ‘unauthentic Mexican’ concept, offering tacos, bowls, sides and desserts across several Ontario markets, including Newmarket, Kingston, Whitby, Barrie and Peterborough. The completed acquisition represents the incorporation of Happy Belly’s first acquisition in 2026. “Our approach has always been to focus on the development of emerging brands in the food sector,” said Sean Black, CEO of Happy Belly. “Ghost Taco is an accretive acquisition by Happy Belly Food Group, and it is anticipated that our franchising program will deliver new franchised locations that will continue to drive both the top line and bottom line of the company in a meaningful way very shortly.” Expansion under the new ownership will initially target the Ontario market with the first locations in early 2027. The Oakville, Hamilton, Vaughan, Ottawa, London and Etobicoke areas are identified for the 800 to 1500 square foot locations. Sari Samarah at Value Insight Realty handles the site selection for the Ghost Taco expansion.
Value Insight Realty, 140 Yonge St., Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1X6 Tel: 416/269-6747 (Sari Samarah – Ext 101 sari.samarah@valueinsightrealty.com)
Happy Belly Food Group, 100 King St West, Suite 7210, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1E1 (416/572-2000 www.happybellyfg.com)