SARASOTA, FL – Mahj Girl Society, the Sarasota–Manatee region’s first dedicated mahjong social club, celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, September 2, at Georgie’s Garden Café at UTC. The club, which will operate Wednesday through Sunday, offers open play, lessons, tournaments, themed events, and creative workshops. It also provides casual spaces for relaxing, working, or socializing, along with a mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu.
Founder Sasha Stapleton, a Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur, envisions the space as more than a place to play. “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 opening marks the start of an ambitious year, culminating in 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 money for local charities. Stapleton, who will turn 40 in January, wanted to mark the milestone with a meaningful community event. “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 record attempt is part of the Society’s broader mission to use mahjong as a platform for connection and positive local impact. The organization plans to collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and community groups year-round and will welcome other local mahjong organizations to host events at the lounge. “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.”
In addition to traditional programming, the Society will host creative experiences such as decorating mahjong tiles, embellishing tile bags, and personalizing game-card accessories. Members enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and merchandise discounts, while non-members can participate through à la carte experiences.
The club’s calendar is already filling up. Regular open play runs every Wednesday, and the first Learn to Play session is scheduled for Thursday, September 3. Lessons cater to complete beginners as well as advanced players. An upcoming highlight is an Alice in Wonderland–themed Mahjong Tea Party, which will blend themed décor, food, and interactive social play.
Stapleton, originally from England, has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for over six years. She owns a local printing operation and an SEO company, and founded The Hedgehog Hollow, a creative brand that grew into a seven-figure business. Mahj Girl Society’s branding draws inspiration from the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned, and her family’s history with the game is woven into the club’s identity. Her grandparents played mahjong during her grandfather’s military postings, and her own daughters now play as well.
Despite the name, the Society is inclusive of all genders and ages. “Mahj Girl is the personality of the brand, not a restriction on who gets a seat,” Stapleton said. “Our tables are open to everyone.”
While online apps have introduced mahjong to a new generation, the Society emphasizes the value of face-to-face interaction. “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 Society is currently hosted by Georgie’s Garden Café while preparing to open a permanent location in Lakewood Ranch later this year. Details on the January record attempt, including venue, registration, participating charities, and sponsorship, will be announced as preparations continue.
