SARASOTA, Fla. — Mahj Girl Society, the region's first dedicated mahjong social club, officially opened its doors Wednesday at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC, marking the start of an ambitious journey that will culminate in a Guinness World Record attempt in January. The event, which began at 5 p.m., showcased the club's mission to blend traditional mahjong play with a vibrant social atmosphere, all while giving back to the local community.
Founder Sasha Stapleton, a Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur, envisions the club as more than just 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 club offers a diverse range of activities, including open play, lessons for all skill levels, tournaments, themed events, and creative workshops. Members can also enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and discounts on merchandise. Non-members are welcome through à la carte experiences. The venue also features a mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu, positioning it as a social destination.
One of the most anticipated events is the January attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people playing mahjong simultaneously. The goal is to bring together more than 2,500 players, with proceeds going to local charities. Stapleton, who will turn 40 around that time, said she wanted to mark the milestone with something impactful. "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 a broader commitment to community engagement. The Society plans to collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and other local organizations throughout the year. Other mahjong groups are also welcome 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."
While digital apps have introduced mahjong to a new generation, the Society emphasizes the value of in-person connection. Maddelyn Banham, Director of Community & Digital Engagement, noted, "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 club's branding draws inspiration from Stapleton's family history, particularly the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned. Her grandparents, who lived in the Middle East, were mahjong players themselves, 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 club 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."
The grand opening celebration was hosted by Georgie's Garden Café at UTC, located at 229 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida. The Society operates Wednesday through Sunday, with memberships and à la carte options available. For more information, visit MahjGirlSociety.com.
