Three Buddies Expands to Athens with Visionary Leadership Driving Georgia Dining Innovation

Three Buddies, the fast-casual dining concept redefining comfort food with a creative twist, announces the official grand opening soon to take place at its newest location in Athens, Georgia. Behind this rapidly growing brand are visionary multipreneur Peter Anand and Managing Partner Tia Jakes, whose combined leadership, innovation, and decades of experience in hospitality are setting new standards in Georgia's dining scene. Launched in May 2024, Three Buddies quickly distinguished itself with its Certified Angus Beef burgers alongside a diverse menu that blends comfort and creativity.

Peter Anand's remarkable journey from barbecue competitions in his teenage years to building a diverse restaurant portfolio demonstrates the entrepreneurial drive fueling Three Buddies' expansion. His progression from server to General Manager within one month at Buffalo's Café, followed by leadership roles at major chains, culminated in developing concepts including Mirala Fine Dining, Pete's Sports Bar & Grill, and ultimately Three Buddies. Anand stated, "Three Buddies was built on the idea that food should be both comforting and exciting. Bringing that vision to Athens is incredibly special, because this community values flavor, experience, and togetherness—exactly what Three Buddies stands for."

The operational excellence behind Three Buddies' rapid success is driven by Tia Jakes, who brings more than 26 years of diverse experience in restaurant, hospitality, and event planning industries. Jakes leads the development and execution of business plans through Your Fifth Quarter, LLC, ensuring consistent growth and efficiency across locations. Her expertise in opening restaurants and designing operational processes has been instrumental in the brand's expansion to three thriving locations in less than a year. Jakes emphasized, "Three Buddies is more than a restaurant—it's a lifestyle brand built on vision, consistency, and community. Athens represents an exciting chapter, and we are committed to making this location a cornerstone of the neighborhood."

Anand's entrepreneurial capabilities extend beyond hospitality, having driven sales from $8 million to $120 million in three years at Canterbury Engineering and scaling his engineering startup Joe Tools to $30 million in annual sales before its acquisition. This business acumen, combined with Jakes' operational mastery, positions Three Buddies for strategic franchising expansion and new ventures. The Athens opening marks a significant milestone in their plan to grow the brand while maintaining commitment to family and community values, creating sustainable long-term opportunities in Georgia's competitive dining landscape.