Mahj Girl Society, a new social club dedicated to the game of American mahjong, celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, September 2, at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC in Sarasota, Florida. This marks the first dedicated mahjong club in the Sarasota–Manatee area, offering a space for open play, lessons, tournaments, and community events.
Founded by Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur Sasha Stapleton, the club aims to be more than just a place to play mahjong. "What we're creating is not simply a mahjong room," Stapleton said. "I want it to feel like a clubhouse — somewhere you can come by yourself, meet people, play, create, have a drink, learn something new, or just sit with a coffee and be part of a community."
The club operates Wednesday through Sunday and features a variety of programming, including weekly open play, private and group lessons, tournaments, themed events, and creative workshops. Members can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and merchandise discounts, while non-members can participate through à la carte experiences. The venue also includes a mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu, book nooks, and casual social areas.
One of the club's most ambitious goals is a Guinness World Record attempt scheduled for January, coinciding with Stapleton's 40th birthday. The attempt aims to bring together more than 2,500 players for a simultaneous mahjong game, with proceeds going to local charities. "Turning 40 feels like the beginning of a completely new chapter," Stapleton said. "I wanted to do something huge — something that brings thousands of people together and, most importantly, leaves our community better because we did it."
The record attempt is part of the Society's broader mission to use mahjong as a platform for community connection and charitable impact. The organization plans to partner with schools, nonprofits, and community groups throughout the year, and will welcome other local mahjong organizations to host events at the lounge. "This isn't about competing for players," Stapleton emphasized. "Mahjong is growing rapidly, and we all have something to offer. There really is room at the table for everyone."
The club's focus on in-person interaction is a key differentiator in an era of digital gaming. Maddelyn Banham, Director of Community & Digital Engagement, noted, "An app can teach you what the tiles look like, but it can't recreate four people sitting around a table together. We live so much of our lives through screens now. Mahjong gives people a reason to put their phones down and actually be present with the people across from them. You can discover mahjong online, but the community happens in person."
The Mahj Girl Society's branding draws from Stapleton's family history, incorporating design elements inspired by the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned. Her grandparents, who lived in the Middle East, were mahjong players themselves, and now Stapleton's daughters also play. "There are little pieces of them throughout Mahj Girl Society," Stapleton said. "This next chapter is very much mine, but it has their fingerprints all over it."
Despite the name, the club is inclusive of all genders and ages, welcoming players from 10 to 100 years old. "Mahj Girl is the personality of the brand, not a restriction on who gets a seat," Stapleton said. "Our tables are open to everyone."
The permanent home for the Society is planned for Lakewood Ranch, expected to open later this year. In the meantime, Georgie's Garden Café will host the club's activities. For more information, visit MahjGirlSociety.com.
