The Mahj Girl Society officially opened its doors on Wednesday, September 2, at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC, establishing the first dedicated mahjong social club in the Sarasota–Manatee area. The opening signals the start of an ambitious year for the organization, culminating in a January attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most people playing mahjong simultaneously, with a goal of attracting more than 2,500 participants to raise money for local charities.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, the club offers a variety of activities including open play, private and group lessons, tournaments, themed events, creative workshops, and casual spaces for relaxation and socializing. The venue will serve as the Society's temporary home while preparations continue for a permanent Lakewood Ranch location later this year.
Founder Sasha Stapleton, a Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur, emphasized that the club is more than just a place to play mahjong. "What we're creating is not simply a mahjong room," she 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's programming extends beyond traditional mahjong, featuring creative experiences like decorating mahjong tiles, embellishing tile bags, and personalizing accessories. Book nooks and casual social areas provide spaces to relax between games, and a specially crafted mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu enhances the social atmosphere. Members enjoy perks such as free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and merchandise discounts, while non-members can participate through à la carte options.
The calendar is already filling up with events, including regular open play every Wednesday and a Learn to Play session on Thursday, September 3. Lessons cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced players. An upcoming highlight is an Alice in Wonderland–themed Mahjong Tea Party, featuring themed décor, food, and interactive play.
The January record attempt coincides with Stapleton's 40th birthday, a milestone she wanted to celebrate in a meaningful way. "Turning 40 feels like the beginning of a completely new chapter," she 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 Society plans to use the event to support local charities and hopes to collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and community groups year-round. Other local mahjong organizations are welcome to host their own events at the lounge.
The Society believes that in-person play is essential, despite the rise of digital mahjong. 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."
Stapleton's English heritage and family history are woven into the brand. The logo draws inspiration from the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned, and her grandparents, who played mahjong themselves, inspired the venture. "There are little pieces of them throughout Mahj Girl Society," she 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. "Mahj Girl is the personality of the brand, not a restriction on who gets a seat," Stapleton explained. "Our tables are open to everyone."
The grand opening celebration took place at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC, located at 229 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida. The Society operates Wednesday through Sunday, with memberships and à la carte experiences available. For more information, visit MahjGirlSociety.com or find them on Facebook by searching "Mahj Girl Society".
