Chops Lobster Bar to Anchor the Hotel at Medley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott

Atlanta steakhouse’s first suburban location caps Medley’s restaurant mix as the project’s boutique hotel joins Marriott’s growing Tribute Portfolio

Toro Development Company (Toro) announced this week that Chops Lobster Bar, Atlanta’s “Tiffany of Steakhouses,” will be the anchor restaurant at the hotel at Medley, the 43-acre mixed-use destination in Johns Creek.

Toro also confirmed the 150-key, yet-to-be-named lifestyle hotel will join Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, a family of independent, experience-driven hotels. This latest news comes as Medley prepares to welcome the community for its grand opening on October 29.

A rendering of a mixed-use development in Johns Creek with shops, restaurants and a hotel. — Image courtesy of Toro Development Company.

“Chops Lobster Bar is the ultimate crescendo to Medley’s exceptional food and beverage lineup,” said Mark Toro, chief vision officer for Toro Development Company.

“Having one of the best steakhouses in Atlanta anchoring a hotel that’s part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio underscores our commitment to delivering a hospitality-inspired experience unlike anywhere in the region. Medley will be one-of-one, designed as the Third Place for the Johns Creek community.”

An iconic Atlanta restaurant

A Buckhead Atlanta institution for more than three decades, Chops Lobster Bar will open an 8,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of Medley’s hotel, marking its first-ever location in the suburbs.

Known for its custom-aged USDA Prime steaks and Wagyu steak program, fresh Nova Scotia lobster and warm dining room, Chops represents the final piece of Medley’s dynamic restaurant lineup, which includes 20 best-in-class concepts. In addition to the restaurant, Chops Lobster Bar will also operate the bar located in the heart of the hotel lobby, playing an important role in creating an unparalleled and sophisticated arrival experience for hotel guests.

“We’re proud to continue Chops Lobster Bar’s legacy at Medley, bringing our exceptional dining experience and signature hospitality to the Johns Creek community,” said Niko Karatassos, co-president of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. “Medley reflects the same commitment to quality and service that defines our brand, making it the perfect setting for our fourth location.”

A luxury, boutique hotel

The to-be-named hotel, scheduled to open in 2028, is being developed and operated by Mainsail Lodging & Development, which is known for its unique, design-forward lifestyle hotels. The Medley hotel will feature modern guestrooms and approximately 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space that connects to the lobby and opens to The Plaza, Medley’s activated greenspace. The hotel will also offer a full suite of resort-quality amenities serving business travelers, leisure guests and local event demand. Branding and design for the hotel are currently underway.

As part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, the hotel is designed to seamlessly integrate with Medley’s walkable, mixed-use environment. According to the announcement from Toro, there are more than 200 hotels across the world in the Tribute Portfolio, “each drawn together by a unique sense of character and passion for captivating design, vibrant social scenes and experiences.”

A plate of crab cakes in sauce with a side of bread and a glass of white wine at Chops. — Chops crab cake. Photo courtesy of Toro Development Company.

Mainsail has a strong track record of delivering premier hospitality experiences, particularly within mixed-use destinations. Its Georgia portfolio includes Epicurean Atlanta, an urban-chic hotel located in the 1105 West Peachtree development in Midtown; Trilith Guesthouse, a boutique hotel in Fayetteville and part of Town at Trilith’s creative community; and the historic Hotel Forty Five in Macon.

“Medley is the kind of community-centered destination where a hotel can become part of daily life, not simply a place to stay,” said Joe Collier, president and founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development.

“Joining Tribute Portfolio gives us the freedom to create an independent hotel with its own sense of place, backed by the reach and benefits of Marriott Bonvoy. With Chops anchoring the food and beverage experience, the hotel will bring together guests, residents and visitors in a way that feels distinctly Johns Creek,” Collier added.

About Medley in Johns Creek

Medley is located at the intersection of Johns Creek Parkway and McGinnis Ferry Road. At full buildout, the project will encompass 145,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space designed around the public realm; 883 luxury residences, featuring a mix of townhomes and apartments; the 150-key Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel; 110,000 square feet of lifestyle office space; a public arts program led by renowned Atlanta artist Greg Mike; and a 25,000-square-foot Plaza that will be activated with 100 events per year.

In addition to Chops Lobster Bar, Toro has secured an impressive lineup of best-in-class retailers and restaurants for Medley. The mix includes: