An icon of Atlanta’s dining scene is taking its talents to the northern suburbs. 

Toro Development Company officials announced this week Chops Lobster Bar—aka, “Atlanta’s Tiffany of Steakhouses”—plans to open its first OTP location as the anchor tenant of rising Johns Creek mixed-use district Medley’s hotel component. 

The news comes after Chops leadership in February confirmed their second location is bound for Centennial Yards, claiming a space at the base of that project’s Virgin Hotel. Chops’ original Buckhead steakhouse location opened in 1989. 

At the 43-acre Medley district, which is set to start opening next month, Chops plans to operate in an 8,000-square-foot space at the base of Medley’s 150-key boutique hotel. Chops will also run the hotel bar situated in the center of its lobby, “playing an important role in creating an unparalleled and sophisticated arrival experience,” per TDC officials. 

Developers also confirmed this week the hotel will join Marriott Bonvoy’s independent Tribute Portfolio, though its specific branding and design are still works-in-progress. It’s being developed and will be operated by Mainsail Lodging & Development, with a direct connection to The Plaza, Medley’s active community greenspace. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2028. 

Elsewhere in Georgia, Mainsail’s portfolio includes Trilith Guesthouse, the Epicurean Atlanta hotel at the 1105 West Peachtree development in Midtown, and Macon’s historic, adaptive-reuse Hotel Forty Five. 

“[Chops] is the ultimate crescendo to Medley's exceptional food and beverage lineup," said Mark Toro, TDC's chief vision officer, in the announcement. “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.” 

A rendering illustrating the scale of Medley's forthcoming mid-rise hotel (at top right) and other mixed-use components. Courtesy of Toro Development Company

Medley is still on pace for an Oct. 29 grand opening, and the first apartment renters at a 340-unit multifamily section called Prelude at Medley are expected to move in Nov. 1, according to TDC reps. 

Another residential section of the property, Tableau at Medley, will see 133 for-sale townhomes built by Empire Homes (formerly Empire Communities). Those will start in the $700,000s, offering 1,939 to 2,794 square feet and three or four bedrooms. 

On the retail front, a Trader Joe’s outpost opened at Medley in June. 

Medley’s phase one has also signed the first suburban location of Fadó Irish Pub, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar, Five Daughters Bakery, Summit Coffee, Lily Sushi Bar, Knuckies Hoagies, Cookie Fix, Sugarcoat Beauty, BODY20, Sephora, Rena’s Italian Fishery & Grill, High Country Outfitters, Fogón and Lions, and BODYROK, among other concepts.

Other signings announced this year include regional dining favorite Northern China Eatery, Shake Shack, Kontour Medical Spa, Moop’s Boutique, Warby Parker, Tabla, Hollow Oak, The Nest Cafe, CT Cantina & Taqueria, The Commodore, and 13 Hub Lane. 

A second multifamily phase at Medley called Encore is expected to bring 408 more apartments next year. 

Overview of Medley’s Encore section, where more than 400 multifamily dwellings and an additional 20,000 square feet of retail are planned. Courtesy of Toro Development Company

Overview of Medley's layout, with more than 100 for-sale townhomes positioned at left. Tableau at Medley/Empire Homes

TDC started construction on Medley in early 2025 where Johns Creek Parkway meets McGinnis Ferry Road.

The project’s full scope calls for more than 880 luxury residences (a mix of apartments and townhomes) and 145,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, in addition to the plaza, hotel, and offices. 

Swing up to the gallery for more visuals and context. 

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