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 opening initiates 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.
The club, open Wednesday through Sunday, will offer open play, private and group lessons, tournaments, themed events, creative workshops, and casual spaces for relaxation, work, reading, or socializing. Georgie's will serve as the temporary home while the organization prepares to open a permanent location in Lakewood Ranch later this year.
Founder Sasha Stapleton, a Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur, envisions the club as more than just a mahjong venue. "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."
Beyond traditional programming, the Society will feature creative experiences such as decorating mahjong tiles, embellishing tile bags, and personalizing accessories. Book nooks and casual social areas provide spaces to unwind between games, and a mahjong-themed cocktail and mocktail menu enhances the social atmosphere. Members enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and merchandise discounts, while non-members can participate through à la carte experiences.
The calendar already includes regular open play every Wednesday, with the first Learn to Play session on Thursday, September 3. Lessons cater to all levels, from beginners to those refining speed and strategy. A highlight is an Alice in Wonderland–themed Mahjong Tea Party, blending themed décor, food, and interactive play.
The January record attempt coincides with Stapleton's 40th birthday, a milestone she wanted to celebrate with a large-scale charitable 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 support local charities through the event and partner with schools, nonprofits, and community groups year-round. Other local mahjong organizations are welcome to host events at the lounge.
While apps have popularized mahjong, the Society emphasizes face-to-face interaction. 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."
Stapleton, originally from England, has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for over six years. Her entrepreneurial ventures include a printing operation, an SEO company, and The Hedgehog Hollow, a creative brand that reached seven-figure revenue. The Mahj Girl Society's branding draws from the traditional Willow Pattern china her grandparents owned, reflecting their influence. Her grandparents, who played mahjong while stationed in the Middle East, inspire the club's identity, and her daughters now play as well.
Despite its 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."
The grand opening celebration will take place at Georgie's Garden Café at UTC, located at 229 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243. For schedules, memberships, and events, visit MahjGirlSociety.com or find the community on Facebook.
