SARASOTA, FL — Mahj Girl Society, the first dedicated mahjong social club in the Sarasota–Manatee region, celebrated its grand opening on September 2 at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC. Founded by Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur Sasha Stapleton, the club offers open play, lessons, tournaments, themed events, and creative workshops, with a permanent Lakewood Ranch location planned later this year.
The opening marks the start of an ambitious year for the organization, which is already preparing for a January attempt at a Guinness World Record for the most people playing mahjong simultaneously. The event aims to bring together more than 2,500 players while raising funds for local charities. Stapleton, who turns 40 in January, said she wanted to mark the milestone with something meaningful. "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 club's programming extends beyond traditional mahjong. Members can participate in creative experiences like decorating their own tiles or personalizing accessories, and the venue includes book nooks and casual social areas for relaxation between games. A mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu positions the club as a social destination rather than just a place to play.
Mahj Girl Society will be open Wednesday through Sunday, offering weekly open play and lessons for players of all skill levels. Upcoming events include an Alice in Wonderland–themed Mahjong Tea Party. Membership perks include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and merchandise discounts, while non-members can access the club through à la carte experiences.
The community aspect is central to the club's mission, especially in an era of increased screen time. "An app can teach you what the tiles look like, but it can't recreate four people sitting around a table together," said Maddelyn Banham, Director of Community & Digital Engagement. "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 club's branding draws from Stapleton's family history, inspired by the Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned. Her grandparents, who played traditional mahjong during their time in the Middle East, influenced the club's identity. "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 open to everyone. "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 community spans all genders, ages from 10 to 100, and skill levels, from beginners to experts.
The January record attempt will be a collaborative effort, with the Society planning to work with schools, nonprofits, and other local mahjong groups. "This isn't about competing for players," Stapleton said. "Mahjong is growing rapidly, and we all have something to offer. There really is room at the table for everyone." Details on the venue, registration, and participating charities will be announced as preparations continue.
For more information, visit MahjGirlSociety.com.
