WAYNE, PA — Main Line Mahjong has launched a national franchise program from its Philadelphia-area base, seeking to turn growing demand for the centuries-old game into a scalable studio business built around lessons, league play, events and retail sales.
The Wayne-based company is awarding franchises in select U.S. markets, giving entrepreneurs access to its teaching curriculum, instructor certification, league and tournament formats, private and corporate event programming, open play and retail model.
Main Line Mahjong describes itself as the first U.S. mahjong studio brand to franchise, moving beyond its Main Line origins as consumer interest in the game accelerates.
Yelp named mahjong among its top trends for 2026, with searches for mahjong clubs increasing 4,467% from a year earlier and searches for lessons rising 819%, according to figures cited by the company. Mahjong events listed on Eventbrite increased 179% over a year.
The franchise strategy is designed around multiple revenue streams rather than game play alone. Studios can generate business through instruction, leagues, tournaments, private and corporate events, open-play sessions and merchandise.
Main Line Mahjong has also standardized its teaching model through a training and certification program intended to give new franchise locations a consistent method for introducing beginners to American mahjong.
“We’ve distilled our method into a teacher-training and certification program so every franchise studio delivers the same warm, hands-on, confidence-building experience,” co-founder Suzett Hamilton, who leads teacher and people training, said.
The company is positioning the physical studio itself as another part of the business model, combining dedicated playing space with retail rather than adding experiences to a conventional store.
The franchise push also reflects broader consumer interest in in-person activities and reduced screen time. A 2025 YouGov survey cited by Main Line Mahjong found 47% of people younger than 30 were trying to reduce their screen time, compared with 32% of older Americans.
Main Line Mahjong was founded by three couples whose backgrounds span finance, real estate, operations, marketing, design, merchandising, investing and entrepreneurship.
Karla Crockett, a co-founder who leads franchise operations and marketing, described in-person connection as a central part of the expansion strategy.
“Mahjong isn’t just having a moment — it’s meeting a fundamental, long-term societal need: real, in-person connection,” Crockett said.
The company’s name refers both to Philadelphia’s Main Line, where the business originated, and to a player’s preferred or primary line on a National Mah Jongg League card.
Main Line Mahjong is accepting prospective franchisees for select territories nationwide. Information on available territories, investment requirements and franchise support is available at www.mlmahjong.com/franchise.
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