FAQ: Three Buddies Expansion to Athens and Leadership Insights

What is Three Buddies and what type of food do they serve?

Three Buddies is a fast-casual dining concept that redefines comfort food with a creative twist, featuring Certified Angus Beef burgers widely regarded as some of Atlanta’s best, alongside a diverse menu blending comfort and creativity.

Who are the key people behind Three Buddies’ expansion to Athens?

The expansion is led by visionary multipreneur Peter Anand, the founder, and Managing Partner Tia Jakes, who brings over 26 years of experience in restaurant, hospitality, and event planning industries to ensure operational excellence.

When did Three Buddies first launch and how many locations do they have?

Three Buddies launched in May 2024 and has successfully opened three thriving locations in less than a year, with Athens marking the latest milestone in the brand’s expansion.

What makes Peter Anand’s background particularly remarkable?

Anand has an extraordinary journey from winning barbecue competitions as a teenager to leadership roles at multiple restaurants, plus significant success in engineering where he drove sales from $8M to $120M at Canterbury Engineering and scaled Joe Tools to $30M annual sales before selling it for $16M.

What role does Tia Jakes play in Three Buddies’ operations?

Tia Jakes serves as Managing Partner and leads operations, bringing 26+ years of diverse experience in hospitality and event planning; she develops business plans, ensures growth and efficiency, and oversees the seamless guest experience across locations.

Why is the expansion to Athens significant for Three Buddies?

Athens represents an exciting chapter as the community values flavor, experience, and togetherness—aligning perfectly with Three Buddies’ vision of providing comforting and exciting food while making the location a neighborhood cornerstone.

What other business ventures has Peter Anand been involved in?

Beyond hospitality, Anand worked at Canterbury Engineering, rising from machine operator to VP of Operations, and founded Joe Tools in 2009, a design and engineering startup he scaled to $30M in annual sales before selling it in 2023 for $16M.

How does Three Buddies describe itself beyond just being a restaurant?

Three Buddies is described as a lifestyle brand built on vision, consistency, and community, emphasizing not only exceptional food but also a seamless guest experience and commitment to togetherness.