Category Archives: Sports

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

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

Cam Newton has a humanitarian side most people don’t know about

Screen Shot 2020-07-01 at 6.46.25 AMCam Newton has been very vocal on social media since the announcement that the Patriots has signed the Free Agent to a 1 year contract. Determined to prove to Carolina they really lost a really good dude Cam has made several videos expressing some pint up agression.

However, rarely has Cam neglected opportunity to pay it forward when it comes to kind deeds especially when a child is involved. Recently, in the midst of all the hoopla at the “Peak of his career the NFL quaterback Cam Newton heard a 10 year old boy had spent Christmas fighting a serious heart condition.

Two days later on his day off, he chartered a flight and flew out to surprise him. This is what happened when they met.

Twitter immediately reacts

These twitter comments really speak volume on how Cam’s fans really feel about him and the people who really know who Cam Newton is and what he stands for are not surprised at this good deed.

Fun Fact. Did you know that Cam’s Newton’s dad’s church is in Newnan, GA and Cam is often spotted in Fairburn at the local Cracker Barrell on Senoia Rd? It’s also not unlikely to spot Cam working out near Camp Creek. It’s not a good idea to prejudge Icons and NFL star like Cam Newton based on blogs and media reviews rather than knowing the side of their  heart.

What are your thoughts? Did you always know that Cam Newton was a stand up kind of dude or did you get caught up with the media’s portrayal of Cam being a selfish know it all Diva?

World Championship Boxing Saturday Night Superfights 2020 Center Stage, Atlanta, Georgia

Former Champion Cedric Boswell launches Promotional Series with Three Matches at Atlanta’s Center  Stage on Saturday April 11th at 7:30pm

Carlos monroeOn On Saturday April 11, Former Heavyweight Champion Cedric “The Boz” Boswell and Atlanta’s Center Stage will host an action packed evening of live professional boxing matches. The fights will be featuring WBA Federation Champion, who is ranked #3, Carlos Monroe, Jr.; WBC Latin Champion Ernesto Irias; Undefeated featherweight Deonte “DeeBro” Brown, plus many other promising ring stars.

Center Stage is conveniently located at 1374 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Fights will start at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30. Continue reading World Championship Boxing Saturday Night Superfights 2020 Center Stage, Atlanta, Georgia

Kobe Bryant his 13 year old daughter Gigi and 7 others die in tragic helicopter crash 1/26

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Venice-based street muralist Jules Muck – Photo Credit

Everyone is speaking on Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi and the tragedy of the other 7 people who died in the helicopter crash on Sunday morning January 26th. It definitely has been a devastation to the entire nationa. So many questions. Why did the pilot get clearance? Why did they have to use the helicopter on a day like this? Did the other families that died have survivors? Was the bodies all splattered into pieces? Why can they only find three bodies which they had to identify by fingerprints?

Even if we had the answers to all these questions it still wouldn’t bring back any of the 9 people who died in that crash. So many updates. Continue reading Kobe Bryant his 13 year old daughter Gigi and 7 others die in tragic helicopter crash 1/26

Lebron James had this to say about Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Workout

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Check out the Video on @Stardom101Mag Twitter Page https://twitter.com/Stardom101Mag

Unfortunately, for the 25 NFL teams that showed up at the Atlanta Falcons workout training facility in Flowery Branch, GA. The former NFL quarterback and activist decided to make a last minute change in his workout venue. Although “black twitter” was outraged Kaepernick received a warm welcome by Clayton County public school officials and hundreds of fans who cheered him on from behind a chain-link fence.

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Folllow @Stardom101Mag Twitter Page

Continue reading Lebron James had this to say about Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Workout

To Have and To Hold Charlotte – OWN June 1st

To Have and to Hold Charlotte – New Series on OWN Network 

Elaine Christine Ursula
(Pictured l-r) Alane and Yandrick, Christine and Darhyl, Ursula and Clinton                                          Photo Credit Jonell Media PR

Atlanta Media were privy to a private Media Lunch with three amazing power couples from a new show on the own network. Pictured above the socialites “Alane & Yandrick, the fun couple “Christine & Darhyl”, and the Vegan, Nurse and health advocate Ursula and hubby Clinton.  The great dynamic is that each couple pictured above considers themselves power couples and Christine and Darhyl are America’s Dream Couple and Lovebirds together since college. Darhyl has truly found his soulmate and they are elated that the key to their marriage going strong over 10 years is because they have a 48 hr rule (they do NOT go without having sex over 48 hrs). Interesting.

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(l-r) Ursula Douglas, Alane and Christine

As with any ensemble couple series there is always the struggle relationship couple and the “This is the Situation” couple. You must tune in so you can make your OWN identification of who truly runs Charlotte. All the couples are definitely winning as relationships are hard work and you will see how each couple is dedicated to putting in the work! I think this is going to be my new favorite show now that Love Is… is no longer airing.

Own Describes the show stating the following:

To Have and To Hold: Charlotte follows the real challenges couples face, from financial stress, to issues with intimacy, to the ups and downs of parenthood. The tight-knit couples like to let loose and have fun, and while these passionate and often opinionated friends may have their differences, they will ultimately do anything for each other. As marriages and friendships are put to the test, will they have the love and strength needed to thrive or will some of these relationships crack under the pressure?

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-own/introducing-to-have-and-to-hold-charlotte-video#ixzz5pbQ8Wcgo

Check out the photo gallery from the lucheon

For a sneak peek of what’s to come today check out the link below WatchOWN.tv/ToHaveandToHoldCharlotte

to have and hold promo

Van Jones – Redemption Project – 5 Reasons to tune in to CNN Sundays at 9pm

van jones panelVan Jones is an accomplished Yale educated attorney who’s been honored with numerous mind blowing awards and spotlights. He was TIME Magazine’s 2009 “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Rolling Stone’s 2012 “12 Leaders Who Get Things done, The World’s Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader” designation and in 2017 Van Jones signed a management deal with Roc Nation, becoming the first political commentator & activist in their family. It’s no wonder passion runs through his veins for his new REDEMPTION PROJECT on CNN which airs Sunday nights at 9pm. Continue reading Van Jones – Redemption Project – 5 Reasons to tune in to CNN Sundays at 9pm

Andre Harrell, Teddy Riley, and DJ Eddie F Reflect on Heavy D

On May 24th 2019 the late Dwight Arrington Myers aka Heavy D would have been 50 years of age. Gone too soon due to a pulmonary embolism the Hip Hop World was shook. Gone was one of the finest Hip Hop Pioneers who repeatedly proved to be a ray of light by way of song, rap and melodies; a pillar in the Hip Hop Community and his monicker was to spread inspiration through his music and even in the advice and interest he took in his friends personal problems.

Amazon Prime Video released a documentary  “The Life of Heavy D – Be Inspired” a video documentary is now available for download on Amazon Prime Video. Originally recorded in 2012 featuring interviews by Will Smith, Queen Latifah, Mary J Blige, Chuck D, Doug E. Fresh, Kim Fields, DJ Eddie F, Kool Moe Dee, Brett Ratner, MC Lyte and others. In the documentary Queen Latifah talks about what Heavy D was the first to do for her when she was 18 years old. Will Smith mentions how Heavy D was the first to embrace DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince into the world of Hip Hop. Continue reading Andre Harrell, Teddy Riley, and DJ Eddie F Reflect on Heavy D

Hip Hop Journalist Dee Barnes Visits the Wendy Show!

Wendy Williams Promises to Help  Journalist Dee Barnes Publish her Memoir and Produce Movie of her Life Story

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Continue reading Hip Hop Journalist Dee Barnes Visits the Wendy Show!