Three Buddies Expands to Athens as Founders Plan 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. 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 opening marks a critical milestone in the brand's rapid growth strategy. Founders Peter Anand and Managing Partner Tia Jakes have successfully opened three thriving locations in less than a year, demonstrating the concept's market appeal and operational efficiency. 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 leadership team brings decades of combined hospitality experience to the venture. Anand's entrepreneurial journey includes building a diverse restaurant portfolio that includes Mirala Fine Dining, Pete's Sports Bar & Grill, Vince Et' Chrision Italian, and Firkin & Gryphon. His business acumen extends beyond hospitality, having scaled Canterbury Engineering from $8 million to $120 million in sales within three years and later founding Joe Tools, which he sold in 2023 for $16 million.

Tia Jakes, with more than 26 years of experience in restaurant, hospitality, and event planning industries, plays a crucial operational role. She leads the development, implementation, and execution of business plans for Your Fifth Quarter, LLC, the premier Atlanta-based restaurant management company that owns and operates Three Buddies. 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."

The expansion into Athens signals the brand's preparation for broader market penetration. With the Athens location now operational, Anand and Jakes plan to expand the Three Buddies brand through franchising while exploring new ventures. This strategic move positions the company for long-term growth and sustainability, balancing business passion with community commitment. The successful rapid expansion demonstrates the concept's viability and sets the stage for potential national presence in the competitive fast-casual dining sector.