One North Dallas business is bringing a sensation from the Roaring Twenties into the modern era.
The Charleston Club, Dallas’ first dedicated mahjong studio, debuted last October at 4706 W. Lovers Lane.
Its name hearkens to the shuffling of tiles that takes place before a game, which looks a little like the famous Jazz Age dance — a reminder that, although mahjong may be having a moment, it’s hardly an overnight success.
Dating back two centuries or more, mahjong made its way from China to the States in the 1920s. Combining skill with bit of chance, it took off quickly during a time of dramatic change and optimism. Soon, players of all ages and backgrounds were coming together to try their luck at an irresistible new pastime that swapped plain ol’ cards for colorful, painted tiles.
Fast forward another hundred years, and mahjong again picked up momentum during a challenging time. Highland Park neighbor Lisa Rocchio remembers it well.
“In 2020, we couldn’t get together like we had before,” she said. “We started playing mahjong on Zoom and FaceTime to feel connected during the pandemic.”
Rocchio continued playing regularly, as did many across the country, long after life returned to normal. Then, last year, a chance call from her mom led to a light bulb moment — as daughters can attest they often do.
“My mom’s 84, and she and her friends were looking for a new place for their regular mahjong game,” she recalled. “I thought, what if I created a place where the community and people of all ages could come and play together?”
Drawing upon her finance degree and MBA, as well as a lifelong “entrepreneurial spirit,” Rocchio quickly brought her business idea to life in its joyful and welcoming space on Lovers Lane.
Upon entering through its homey front door, The Charleston Club draws visitors through three comfortable, color-themed rooms. Blue, green, and pink, they’re each highlighted by floral wallpaper and coordinating trim. Cozy club chairs surround 15 game tables, mixed-and-matched in complementary styles. Tables for up to four can be booked online ($100 for two hours); solo players are invited to join open play sessions (starting at $30).
Continuing the “at home” feel, guests can help themselves to a kitchen stocked with snacks, iced tea, and lemonade. For an extra kick, they can BYOB. Players may also bring their own equipment, rent what they need, or pick it up from the in-house boutique. Especially tempting retail items include seasonal and collegiate-themed tile sets, clever accessories, and even mahjong-themed apparel.
In the months since its debut, The Charleston Club has become a regular gathering place for many friends in the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s also gaining a reputation as a go-to spot for special events, from birthdays to showers to graduations. Most of all, Rocchio simply wants everyone to feel welcome.
“You don’t need to be a member at The Charleston Club,” she said with a smile. “There are so few activities that you can do across all generations, and I think mahjong is having such a resurgence right now because people want to connect.”
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