Chops Lobster Bar, a Buckhead steakhouse fixture for more than three decades, is adding its first suburban location in Johns Creek. The restaurant plans to open an 8,000-square-foot location inside a future Marriott hotel at Medley, a 43-acre mixed-use development taking shape in Johns Creek.
A Buckhead Institution Heads to the Suburbs
Toro Development Company announced the move, confirming that Chops Lobster Bar will open inside Medley's future hotel, according to citybiz.co. The restaurant will occupy the ground floor of the hotel and will also run the bar in the hotel lobby. As reported by WSB-TV, the Johns Creek spot will be Chops Lobster Bar's first restaurant outside Atlanta's urban core, a milestone for a restaurant that has operated in Buckhead for more than 30 years.
Chops Lobster Bar has built its reputation on custom-aged USDA Prime steaks, a Wagyu steak program and fresh Nova Scotia lobster, per the same citybiz.co report. Toro's Mark Toro described the addition as, in his words, the ultimate crescendo to Medley's food and beverage lineup, per WSB-TV. Niko Karatassos, tied to the restaurant, said Chops Lobster Bar will bring its dining experience and hospitality to the Johns Creek community, the station reported.
New Marriott Hotel Anchors the Development
The hotel housing the restaurant is scheduled to open in 2028 and is being developed and operated by Mainsail Lodging & Development, per citybiz.co's reporting. The property will become part of Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio, described as a family of independent, experience-driven hotels known for distinctive character, design and local experiences. WSB-TV reports the hotel will include 150 rooms. Joe Collier said the Tribute Portfolio affiliation gives Mainsail freedom to create an independent hotel backed by Marriott Bonvoy's reach and benefits, according to the station.
The hotel will also feature roughly 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space connected to the lobby and opening onto Medley's plaza, the citybiz.co report notes. Mainsail's existing Georgia portfolio includes Epicurean Atlanta, Trilith Guesthouse in Fayetteville and Hotel Forty Five in Macon, the outlet adds.
Medley's Grand Opening and Full Buildout
Medley sits at the intersection of Johns Creek Parkway and McGinnis Ferry Road, according to WSB-TV, and it is scheduled to hold its grand opening on October 29, 2026, per citybiz.co. The development already includes Trader Joe's, Shake Shack, Sephora, Fadó Irish Pub, Crú Food & Wine Bar and a Northern China eatery, WSB-TV reports.
At full buildout, Medley is planned to include 145,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 883 residences and 110,000 square feet of office space, along with a 25,000-square-foot plaza, according to citybiz.co. That plaza is expected to host 100 events per year once complete. Beyond the hotel and its new steakhouse tenant, the development is envisioned as a hub with retail, restaurants, residences, office space, public gathering areas and year-round events, per WSB-TV's reporting.
