Three Buddies Expands to Athens as Restaurant Group Plans National Franchising Strategy

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. The expansion marks the latest milestone for the brand that has opened three thriving locations in less than a year since its May 2024 launch.

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. The Athens location represents the brand's continued growth and commitment to bringing its Certified Angus Beef burgers and diverse menu to new communities.

Three Buddies was built on the idea that food should be both comforting and exciting, according to Anand. Bringing that vision to Athens is incredibly special because this community values flavor, experience, and togetherness—exactly what Three Buddies stands for. The expansion demonstrates the brand's ability to resonate with diverse markets beyond its Atlanta origins.

At the heart of Three Buddies' rapid success is Tia Jakes, who brings more than 26 years of diverse and progressive experience in the restaurant, hospitality, and event planning industries. Jakes plays an instrumental role in ensuring Three Buddies' consistent growth and efficiency, having developed expertise from opening restaurants to designing operational processes.

Jakes also leads the development, implementation, and execution of short- and long-range business plans for Your Fifth Quarter, LLC, a premier Atlanta-based restaurant management company that owns, operates, and oversees a variety of innovative dining concepts. Her leadership ensures that every Three Buddies location delivers not only exceptional food but also a seamless guest experience.

Anand's entrepreneurial journey spans multiple industries beyond hospitality. In 1988, he joined Canterbury Engineering, where he rose from machine operator to VP of Operations, driving sales from $8 million to $120 million in just three years. He later founded Joe Tools in 2009, scaling the design and engineering startup to $30 million in annual sales before selling it in 2023 for $16 million.

With Athens now on the map, Anand and Jakes plan to expand the Three Buddies brand through franchising while also exploring new ventures. The leadership team is focused on creating long-term opportunities for growth and sustainability, balancing their passion for business with a commitment to family and community.

The expansion into Athens represents more than just another restaurant opening—it signals the maturation of a brand that has quickly established itself as a significant player in Georgia's competitive dining landscape. The move demonstrates the viability of fast-casual concepts that blend comfort food with creative culinary approaches, potentially influencing industry trends toward more innovative comfort food offerings.

For consumers, the expansion means greater access to quality dining options that prioritize both flavor experience and community values. The franchising plans suggest that Three Buddies' model could soon reach beyond Georgia, bringing its unique approach to comfort food to markets across the country.