Historic San Luis Obispo Space Acquired for Social Club
New owners will transform the former Mee Heng Low site into a membership-based social club and event venue.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Amber Karson and Emily Butler have acquired the historic Mee Heng Low space at 815 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. The new owners plan to open the Mee Heng Low Social Club in the coming weeks, featuring mahjong, pop-up dinners, and retail space.
Why it matters
The transition aims to secure a sustainable future for the historic building while honoring its legacy in San Luis Obispo. By connecting the site with the nearby Ah Louis Store, the owners seek to preserve the cultural history of the area.
The property located at 815 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo spans the site of the now-closed Mee Heng Low. The Gin family remains the owners of the historic building following the recent business acquisition.
The players
Amber Karson
She is a co-owner of the Ah Louis Store and the principal of Karson Butler Hospitality Co.
Emily Butler
She is a business partner who manages hospitality ventures alongside Amber Karson in San Luis Obispo.
The details
The new Mee Heng Low Social Club will operate through membership, table reservations, and event scheduling. The space will also host pop-up dinners featuring guest chefs and function as a retail hub connected to the Ah Louis Store.
Timeline
Mee Heng Low officially closed its doors on August 29, 2026.
The social club is scheduled to open its doors to the public within the next few weeks.
Market Landscape
The project reflects a broader trend of adaptive reuse, where historic urban spaces are repurposed to maintain community relevance while honoring original heritage. This development positions the operators to capitalize on boutique social experiences that bridge local history with modern hospitality models.
Local residents will gain access to a new venue offering mahjong play and curated dining experiences through a membership-based model. Customers interested in these events should anticipate a transition to reservation-only access once the club begins operations.
The takeaway
Preserving historic spaces often requires innovative business models that combine retail, social activity, and culinary experiences. Residents should look for upcoming announcements regarding the membership structure to participate in the club's inaugural events.
Further reading
For more updates on local storefront changes, visit San Luis Obispo Openings & Closings.
More information
Find additional details on membership and programming via the Mee Heng Low Social Club information page.
Live Poll
Do you support converting historic local businesses into private clubs to ensure their continued operation?
