Sarasota–Manatee's first dedicated mahjong social club, Mahj Girl Society, celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, September 2, at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC. The event marks the beginning 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 funds for local charities.
Founded by Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur Sasha Stapleton, the club will operate Wednesday through Sunday, offering open play, private and group lessons, tournaments, themed events, creative workshops, and casual social spaces. Georgie's will serve as the Society's temporary home while preparations continue for a permanent Lakewood Ranch location later this year.
"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."
Beyond 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 areas provide spaces for relaxation between games, while a specially created mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu positions the venue as a social destination.
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 calendar already includes weekly open play every Wednesday, with the first Learn to Play session scheduled for Thursday, September 3. Lessons cater to complete beginners through advanced players. A highlight is an upcoming 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 mark 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 plans to use the record attempt to support local charities 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. "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."
Details on the January event, including venue, registration, participating charities, and sponsorship, will be announced as preparations continue.
While apps have introduced mahjong to a new generation, the Mahj Girl Society believes the real 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."
Stapleton, originally from England, has called the Lakewood Ranch area home for over six years. As 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. Mahj Girl Society's identity is drawn from her family history, with branding inspired by the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned. Her grandparents played traditional mahjong, and her daughters now play as well. "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 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."
For more information, visit MahjGirlSociety.com or find the community on Facebook by searching "Mahj Girl Society".
