There’s a buzz in the Big Apple as the lottery draw approaches.
A popular local supermarket known for selling big lottery tickets is seeing a surge in customers ahead of the $1.1 billion Powerball draw on Monday.
“I think we are a lucky spot,” said Jenny Fan, the general manager at Huarian Supermarket in Queens, recalling a previous $256 million ticket sale in December.
Fan also mentioned that “the pharmacy across the parking lot has had some big winners too,” highlighting the area’s fortune.
“We’ve definitely noticed an uptick in ticket buyers,” noted an employee, indicating that a “Powerball Jackpot Winner” banner welcomes customers.
Over the weekend, a long line of hopeful ticket buyers formed inside the store, according to Fan.
New York’s recent scratch-off winners include a $5 million ticket sold in Greenpoint, a $3 million ticket in Sunset Park, and multiple significant wins at a Harlem deli earlier this month.
At Esham Deli, family member Hussain Musaid observed a constant flow of customers eager to try their luck. “It’s busy every day,” he shared, as around 50 people visit daily after a recent winning streak.
“It’s pretty lucky here,” remarked Althea, a 55-year-old city worker, who reflected on her intentions with a potential win.
Meanwhile, Thomas, a 40-year-old resident from Harlem, expressed excitement over the recent wins. “It’s great that it’s happening here,” he said, sharing his dreams of using his winnings for a family vacation and investing in real estate.
After a dry spell of nearly three months since the last winning ticket sold in California for $204.5 million, this upcoming jackpot promises to be the fifth-largest in Powerball history. The winner will have the option of a lump sum of $498.4 million before taxes or annual payments that increase over time.
