Sarasota–Manatee's first dedicated mahjong social club, Mahj Girl Society, will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, September 2 at 5 p.m., hosted by Georgie's Garden Café at UTC. The event signals the start of an ambitious year, culminating in a January attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most people playing mahjong simultaneously, with a goal of bringing together more than 2,500 players while raising money for local charities.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, the club will offer open play, private and group lessons, tournaments, themed events, creative workshops, and casual spaces designed for relaxation, work, reading, or socializing. Georgie's will serve as the Society's temporary home while plans proceed for a permanent Lakewood Ranch location later this year. Founder Sasha Stapleton, a Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur, envisions the club as more than a place to play mahjong: "What we're creating is not simply a mahjong room. 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."
In addition to traditional programming, the Society will feature a rotating calendar of creative experiences, including decorating mahjong tiles, embellishing tile bags, and personalizing game-card accessories. Book nooks and casual social areas provide spaces to unwind between games, while a specially curated mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu enhances the venue's 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 experiences.
The club's calendar is already filling up. Regular open play sessions occur every Wednesday, with the first Learn to Play session scheduled for Thursday, September 3. Lessons cater to complete beginners as well as experienced players seeking to refine their skills. An upcoming highlight is an Alice in Wonderland–themed Mahjong Tea Party, blending themed décor, food, and interactive social play.
The January record attempt coincides with Stapleton's 40th birthday, a milestone she wanted to commemorate 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 Society intends to support local charities through the event and hopes to collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and community groups throughout the year. Other local mahjong organizations, instructors, and clubs will also be welcome to host their own events at the lounge. Stapleton emphasized inclusivity: "This isn't about competing for players. Mahjong is growing rapidly, and we all have something to offer. There really is room at the table for everyone." Further details on the January event, including venue, registration, participating charities, and sponsorship, will be announced as preparations progress.
While digital platforms have introduced mahjong to a new generation, the Mahj Girl Society champions the value of in-person connection. Maddelyn Banham, Director of Community & Digital Engagement, explained, "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 Society's brand identity draws from Stapleton's family history. Originally from England, Stapleton has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for over six years. A serial entrepreneur, 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. The Mahj Girl Society logo takes inspiration from the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned, reinterpreted in the Society's blue-and-white aesthetic. Her grandparents, who lived in the Middle East during her grandfather's military postings, played traditional mahjong, and today her 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, Mahj Girl Society welcomes everyone regardless of gender, age, or skill level. "Mahj Girl is the personality of the brand, not a restriction on who gets a seat," Stapleton clarified. "Our tables are open to everyone." The grand opening celebration will take place at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC, located at 229 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243. For more information on schedules, memberships, and events, visit [MahjGirlSociety.com](http://MahjGirlSociety.com) or search "Mahj Girl Society" on Facebook.
