Wayne, Pa. – September 30, 2026 -- Main Line Mahjong (MLM) has launched a franchise program, becoming the first mahjong studio brand in the nation to offer franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs nationwide.
Mahjong searches surge 4,467% as Yelp names it a top 2026 trend
Yelp data cited by the company shows searches for mahjong clubs jumped 4,467% year over year, while searches for mahjong lessons rose 819%. Mahjong events listed on Eventbrite climbed 179% in a single year, and industry analysts project the global mahjong market will reach roughly $3 billion by 2035.
Franchisees get teaching curriculum, league formats and retail strategy
The franchise package includes a structured teaching curriculum, teacher-training certification, league and tournament formats, private- and corporate-event programming, open play, and a curated retail strategy. Karla Crockett, co-founder and head of franchise operations and marketing, said the company is offering entrepreneurs "a proven blueprint to build a fulfilling and successful gathering place" in their own communities.
Retail model built around in-person experience rather than e-commerce recovery
Unlike traditional retailers retrofitting stores with experiences to counter e-commerce losses, MLM built its model with experience at the core and retail as a secondary revenue layer. Co-founder Megan Boss, head of franchise sales and design/retail, said the brand pairs tile-table experience with curated merchandise to generate additional revenue streams for franchisees.
47% of Americans report daily loneliness, per 2026 Talker Research survey
A Talker Research survey conducted in 2026 found 47% of Americans experience loneliness during a typical day, more than one in three feel less socially connected than five years ago, and 68% say they struggle to build in-person community. The U.S. Surgeon General in 2023 compared the health risk of social disconnection to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. A 2025 YouGov survey found 47% of adults under 30 are actively trying to reduce screen time, compared with 32% of older Americans.
Founding team spans finance, real estate and merchandising backgrounds
Main Line Mahjong was founded by three couples with combined backgrounds in finance, real estate, operations, communications, design, merchandising and community building. Suzett Hamilton, co-founder and head of teacher and people training, said the company distilled its teaching method into a certification program so franchise studios deliver a consistent experience.
Franchise territories now open in select U.S. markets
Main Line Mahjong is awarding franchises in select markets nationwide, with the company stating early territories are expected to move quickly. The company noted that franchise offers are subject to state-specific disclosure and registration requirements, including in California, New York, Illinois, and twelve other regulated states.