The Mah Jongg Connection to open the area’s first dedicated Mah Jongg studio on July 6

The Mah Jongg Connection will officially open its doors on Monday, July 6, 2026, becoming the area’s first dedicated Mah Jongg studio and community gathering place. To celebrate the occasion, the studio will host a Grand Opening Open House at 10 am on July 6, inviting residents, retirees, seasonal visitors, and enthusiasts to tour the facility, meet the owners, and learn about upcoming classes and events.

Located at 14363 Ocean Highway, Unit 8, in the Litchfield Exchange Mall, the new studio provides a unique destination along the South Carolina coast to learn, play, and connect through one of America’s fastest-growing social games.

Founded by Michelle Burton and Michele Zucker, The Mah Jongg Connection was created to provide a welcoming environment where players of all experience levels can enjoy the game of Mah Jongg while building friendships and becoming part of a vibrant local community.

Michelle Hill Burton and Michele Zucker, founders of The Mah Jonng Connecttion.

“Mah Jongg is much more than a game—it’s a way to bring people together and create meaningful connections,” said owners Michelle Burton and Michele Zucker. “We created The Mah Jongg Connection to provide a place where people can enjoy social interaction, challenge themselves intellectually, and become part of a welcoming community. We are excited to introduce this unique concept to Pawleys Island and the surrounding area.”

Studio Features & Founding Memberships

The professionally designed studio features eight custom-made Mah Jongg tables, offering a comfortable setting for lessons, organized play, special events, tournaments, and social gatherings.

To recognize its earliest supporters, The Mah Jongg Connection is offering a limited 32 Founding Memberships. Founding Members will receive exclusive benefits, including:

• A discounted membership rate

• Priority registration and reservations for special events

• One guaranteed open-play session per day

• Three complimentary annual guest passes for open-play sessions

July Schedule & Preview Weeks

Ahead of the July 6 public launch, the studio is hosting a soft opening for friends and family during the first week of July. Following the Grand Opening Open House on July 6—during which open play will not be offered to allow guests full access to tour the facility—programming schedules and open play hours will vary throughout the month as the owners determine the needs and preferences of the community. A regular, permanent schedule of hours and activities is expected to begin in August.

In addition to open play opportunities, the studio plans to offer beginner instruction, skill-building classes, marathons, tournaments, private group gatherings, and community-focused programming.

For more information, visit Themahjonggconnection.com, call (843) 685-5541, or follow The Mah Jongg Connection on Facebook.

About The Mah Jongg Connection

The Mah Jongg Connection is a dedicated Mah Jongg studio located in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Founded by Michelle Burton and Michele Zucker, the studio offers lessons, open play, tournaments, special events, and community programming designed to bring people together through the enjoyment of Mah Jongg. The studio welcomes players of all skill levels and seeks to foster friendship, learning, and community through the timeless game of Mah Jongg.