Sarasota–Manatee's first dedicated mahjong social club, Mahj Girl Society, officially opens its doors on Wednesday, September 2, at 5 p.m., hosted by Georgie's Garden Café at UTC. The club aims to provide a welcoming space for both seasoned players and newcomers, offering open play, lessons, tournaments, themed events, and creative workshops. Founder Sasha Stapleton envisions the venue as more than just a place to play; it's a clubhouse where people can gather, socialize, and build community.
"What we're creating is not simply a mahjong room," said Stapleton. "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 will operate Wednesday through Sunday, with a variety of programming designed to cater to different interests and skill levels. Members can enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and discounts, while non-members can participate through à la carte experiences.
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 funds for local charities. Stapleton, who is turning 40 in January, 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 record attempt is part of the Society's broader mission to give back. Plans include partnering with schools, nonprofits, and community groups throughout the year, and opening its space for other local mahjong organizations to host events. "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."
While digital platforms have introduced mahjong to a new generation, the Society believes the true experience is face-to-face. "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 identity is deeply personal to Stapleton, drawing inspiration from her family's history. The blue-and-white logo reflects the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned, and her grandparents themselves played mahjong during their time in the Middle East. Today, her daughters also play. "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 Society welcomes 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 club is currently hosted by Georgie's Garden Café at UTC while it prepares to open a permanent location in Lakewood Ranch later this year. For more information on schedules, memberships, and events, visit MahjGirlSociety.com.
