Three Buddies, the fast-casual dining concept redefining comfort food with a creative twist, has announced the official grand opening of its newest location in Athens, Georgia. This expansion represents the fourth location for the brand that launched in May 2024 and has quickly distinguished itself with its Certified Angus Beef burgers and diverse menu blending comfort and creativity.
The Athens expansion is led by visionary multipreneur Peter Anand and Managing Partner Tia Jakes, whose combined leadership and decades of experience in hospitality are setting new standards in Georgia's dining scene. 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."
Anand's remarkable journey in hospitality began in his teenage years when he was winning barbecue competitions and showcasing his culinary skills at formal events. His early career included leadership roles at McDonald's, Atlanta Bread, and Uncle Vito's before building a diverse restaurant portfolio that includes Mirala Fine Dining, Pete's Sports Bar & Grill, Vince Et' Chrision Italian, and Firkin & Gryphon.
At the heart of Three Buddies' rapid success is Tia Jakes, who brings more than 26 years of diverse experience in restaurant, hospitality, and event planning industries. Jakes plays an instrumental role in ensuring Three Buddies' consistent growth and efficiency, having developed operational processes that deliver both exceptional food and seamless guest experiences. She also leads business planning for Your Fifth Quarter, LLC, a premier Atlanta-based restaurant management company that oversees various innovative dining concepts.
Jakes emphasized the brand's community focus, stating, "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." The expansion demonstrates how successful restaurant concepts can maintain quality and consistency while growing rapidly through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.
Beyond the restaurant industry, Anand's entrepreneurial achievements include his role at Canterbury Engineering where he drove sales from $8 million to $120 million in three years, and founding Joe Tools in 2009, which he scaled to $30 million in annual sales before selling it in 2023 for $16 million. With Athens now operational, Anand and Jakes plan to expand the Three Buddies brand through franchising while exploring new ventures, focusing on creating long-term opportunities for growth and sustainability.
