Charlotte's first mahjong studio opening soon
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The Queen's Mahjery will open just down from the Health Club off of Monroe Road. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
The Queen's Mahjery, a new mahjong studio, will open in Oakhurst Commons off Monroe Road.
Why it matters: The founders hope Charlotte's first brick-and-mortar mahjong studio will create a new third place for people to gather around a shared interest in the centuries-old Chinese strategy game that's surged in popularity in recent years.
State of play: Lauren Ulrey, Jennifer Ross and Patti Roth are the founders behind The Queen's Mahjery, as Tiny Money first reported. Their daughters have practiced gymnastics for years at a studio on Monroe Road.
- Soon, the women were playing mahjong together in Ulrey's mahjong room at her home.
- While visiting family in Dallas, Ross went to a mahjong studio. She returned and told her friends about the experience, and the trio decided to open a studio in Charlotte.
- "It can be difficult to find a place [to play mahjong]," Ulrey tells Axios.
Go deeper: Charlotte homes are making room for mahjong
What to expect: The team is still finalizing plans for the space, but their vision includes 10–20 tables in the 2,382-square-foot studio.
- The space will include several smaller rooms with different vibes that can be converted into a larger room for bigger events.
- The Queen's Mahjery will offer memberships, giving members priority access to tables. It will also offer online booking for drop-ins.
- The space will be family-friendly and will serve drinks and snacks, though no food will be prepared on-site.
What's next: The Queen's Mahjery is expected to open this summer at 4000 Monroe Road.
The big picture: The centuries-old Chinese strategy game, often associated with older generations, has captured the hearts and minds of people across the country.
- Charlotteans have been gathering around the city, learning how to play. Soon, the city will have a dedicated space for the game.
