Category Archives: ATL EATS

ATL EATS, Atlanta Night Life, Entertainment, Food, Sports

‘Three Buddies’ Brings Burgers and Bold Flavor to the Classic City of Athens, GA

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529 Baxter Ave, Athens, GA (walking distance from UGA campus)

ATHENS, GA, August 29, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Three Buddies, the fast-casual dining concept redefining comfort food with a creative twist, proudly 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—widely regarded as some of Atlanta’s best—alongside a diverse menu that blends comfort and creativity. In less than a year, Anand and Jakes have successfully opened three thriving locations, with Athens marking the latest milestone in the brand’s expansion.

“Three Buddies was built on the idea that food should be both comforting and exciting,” said Anand. “Bringing that vision to Athens is incredibly special, because this community values flavor, experience, and togetherness—exactly what Three Buddies stands for.”

A Bold Journey from Barbecue Pits to Boardrooms
Anand’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Putnam, Connecticut, and raised in Utica, NY, he relocated to Atlanta at just seven years old. By his teenage years, he was already winning barbecue competitions and showcasing his culinary skills at formal events. His early career in hospitality began as a server at Buffalo’s Café, where he was promoted to General Manager within just one month. Leadership roles at McDonald’s, Atlanta Bread, and Uncle Vito’s soon followed.

After college, with the support of his father, Anand opened his first bar and began working closely with the Buckhead Life Group’s legendary “Mr. Buckhead George.” From there, he built a diverse restaurant portfolio that includes Mirala Fine Dining, Pete’s Sports Bar & Grill, Vince Et’ Chrision Italian, and Firkin & Gryphon—culminating in his latest concept, Three Buddies.

The Power of Partnership: Tia Jakes at the Helm of Operations
At the heart of Three Buddies’ rapid success is Tia Jakes, Managing Partners and business partner to Anand. With more than 26 years of diverse and progressive experience in the restaurant, hospitality, and event planning industries, Jakes brings unparalleled expertise to the table. From opening restaurants to designing operational processes, she has played an instrumental role in ensuring Three Buddies’ consistent growth and efficiency.

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.

“Three Buddies is more than a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle brand built on vision, consistency, and community,” said Jakes. “Athens represents an exciting chapter, and we are committed to making this location a cornerstone of the neighborhood.”

Beyond the Kitchen: Engineering Success
Anand’s entrepreneurial spirit extends 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.

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

For more menu updates and upcoming events follow us on social media @thenewthreebuddies on Instagram and Facebook.

About Three Buddies
Founded in 2024 by entrepreneur Peter Anand, and co-led by Director of Managing Partners Tia Jakes, Three Buddies is a fast-casual restaurant concept where comfort meets culinary creativity. Known for its Certified Angus Beef burgers, diverse menu, and welcoming atmosphere, Three Buddies has quickly become a favorite for food lovers across Georgia. With multiple locations and a vision for national franchising, the brand is poised for continued growth and success.

Media Contact:Jonell Whitt
Jonell PR Brand Management, LLC whyjonellpr@gmail.com

ATL EATS

Restaurateur Damon Johnson Pays Homage to Father Opening “Augie’s Breakfast Bar” in Atlanta

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Augie’s Breakfast Bar Closing Out Black History Month With a Toast to Greatness!

 In the past decade of working in every aspect of the Hospitality Industry of Restaurants, Damon Johnson CEO of Doe Nation Hospitality and Restaurant Development is very passionate when it comes to providing excellent customer service to all patrons of every establishment he owns.

Augie Johnson, Damon’s father, was an exceptional entrepreneur who owned the family Dry Cleaning Business. In addition to his business ventures, he was a talented songwriter, music producer, and the lead singer of ‘Side Effects’, a group formed in May 1972. Augie’s musical journey began in childhood, and he achieved significant milestones early on. He was part of the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir, performing on Frank Sinatra’s hit ‘High Hopes’ in 1959, and later, he had the honor of singing at Marilyn Monroe’s last public appearance on June 1, 1962, at Dodger Stadium.

Augie was also one of the Doodletown Pipers between the 1960’s and 1970’s, who made numerous appearances on network television such as their first appearance being on “The Red Skelton Show” and thereafter, “The Ed Sullivan Show.” As one of the Doodletown Pipers, Augie had the opportunity to work with such luminaries as Count Basie, The Carpenters, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Gorshin, Alan King, Mike Post, Sarah Vaughan, John Wayne, and Rowan and Martin.

When the opportunity presented itself to open Augie’s Breakfast Bar located at 1220 Caroline Street NE in Atlanta, GA 30307 off Moreland Ave; CEO Damon Johnson did not hesitate to create a family oriented environment playing throwback music that took patrons back to a time when music had real meaning. There is a collage wall of old school artists, television shows, and actors that date back to the 70’s and 80’s when a certain joy and energy permeated through the air when African Americans ran businesses and led careers with a sense of pride. 

“Celebrating the opening of Augie’s Breakfast Bar during Black History Month just seemed appropriate,” exclaimed his son Damon Johnson, restaurant developer. Augie Johnson was also featured in the biopic titled, The Mikki Howard Story ‘Love Under New Management’ (played by actor Gary Dourdan) as he is also the father of Mikki’s 2 sons. Their relationship took place during a very pivotal stage in the beginning of her musical career. 

“I’ve always been proud of my dad Augie Johnson’s career as an early entrepreneur and a change maker to the culture. His life impacted mine in so many ways that I’m elated to celebrate the opening of Augie’s Breakfast Bar during Black History month,” – CEO Damon Johnson.

Augie and his band members have worked with superstars such as Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, Gloria Trevi, Elton John, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Lance Bass of *NSYNC, Warren G “Midnight Hour” and a host of others. Sadly Augie passed away on October 11, 2014, at the age of 66, unexpectedly. Augie was a man who befriended many, and assisted those who were in need. He always had words of good cheer, ready to put a smile on someone’s face, and always ready to sing and light up the room. Augie’s legacy will continue to live on through his music. 

Damon Johnson CEO of Doe Nation Hospitality and Restaurant Development, Inc extends a special thank you to all who supported the celebration of this new establishment ‘Augie’s Breakfast Bar’ during Black History Month.

ATL EATS, ATL HOT SPOTS, Atlanta Night Life, Entertainment, Food

Tapas restaurant “SLUSH” on Edgewood hosts private Sneak peek soft opening

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Guests were given a COVID friendly greeting with hand sanitizer and temperature checks at the door. According to the Press Release by publicist Diane Larche , the HVAC was upgraded with a new high-tech UV lighting and air-purifying filtration system which was created to reduce indoor odors and kill volatile organic compounds and other biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and viruses (including the virus that causes COVID-19). Masks are required when not eating or drinking.

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