Midday Mahj

for restaurants

Host a table

We bring a group of mahjong players to your restaurant on a quiet afternoon, weekday or weekend. They play for a couple of hours, and each player’s ticket includes a drink or small plate from your menu.

Get in touch

the idea

filling the quiet hours

We handle the players, the schedule, the teaching and the equipment. You provide the tables and the hospitality.

Our hope is that you’ll see more people in the room between lunch and dinner, and a group of regulars who get to know your restaurant. Every venue is different, so we don’t make promises about numbers.

We bring the players. You bring the afternoon light and a good cup of coffee.

Photo: a partner dining room set for an afternoon game, to come

for your team

how an afternoon works

  1. a week before

    We confirm.

    The date, how many tables, and any allergy notes from players.

  2. around 1:30

    We set up.

    Our host arrives with sets, racks and mats and arranges the tables.

  3. about two and a half hours

    They play.

    Players order and play. Your staff serves them as usual.

  4. by 4:45

    We clear out.

    We put the tables back the way we found them, well before dinner service.

the details

who does what

What we handle

  • Finding and seating the players, and keeping the list.
  • The schedule, reminders and any changes.
  • Lessons for new players, when you’d like them.
  • Sets, racks, mats and cards: everything on the table.
  • A host on site for the whole afternoon.

What you provide

  • Tables for groups of four, in good light.
  • A drink or small plate for each guest, the way we agree together.
  • A friendly welcome for the players.

closed on mondays?

the private-room option

If your restaurant is closed one day a week, or between services, we can hold a private afternoon there. You open for a group you know is coming, on your own terms.

Tell us your hours and we’ll see what fits.

owners ask

questions from restaurants

Do we need to close to the public?

No. Most afternoons use a section of your dining room or a side room while you stay open as usual.

How loud is it?

Not very. The tiles clatter a bit, and our table mats keep it down. It’s mostly conversation.

We’re closed in the afternoons. Can we still host?

Often, yes. A closed day or the hours between services can work well for a private game. We’ll talk through what works for your staff.

Do we need any equipment?

Just tables for four and good light. We bring the sets, racks, mats and cards.

Is there any gambling?

No. Our players never play for money, at any of our afternoons. We play for fun, and sometimes for points.

How often would you come?

Whatever suits you. Each afternoon is booked on its own, so you can start with one and see how it goes.

Who do I talk to?

Our founder, directly. Send the form below or write to elise@middaymahj.com.

let’s talk

host a table

Tell us a little about your space and when it’s quiet, and we’ll get in touch to talk it through.

Host a table

A short note is enough.