This Island Diner’s Streak of Fortune Continues
April 7, 2026
A unique phenomenon is stirring interest at Nantucket’s Old South Diner, where the menu seems to include a side of luck. This small diner has transformed into a hotspot for lottery triumphs in Massachusetts, creating millionaires with surprising frequency.
Recently, the Massachusetts State Lottery verified that the diner sold a $2 million Powerball ticket, marking the fifth significant win in just two years. This latest winner, Mary Haley, a longtime Nantucket resident, celebrated her windfall surrounded by friends, emphasizing the collective joy felt within the community.
“I was born and raised on Nantucket,” Haley remarked. “It’s very exciting to have a local resident win.” While planning to purchase a new car, Haley also highlighted the diner’s role as a gathering spot where locals share stories and hopes.
The diner’s streak of fortune began on March 11, 2024, when a Boston visitor won a $1 million scratch-off. Subsequent months saw a Hyannis worker claim $2 million, followed by an island chef winning $1 million in August. Another notable win included a $2 million scratch ticket prize, where the winner opted for a $1.3 million lump sum payout before taxes, choosing to save the earnings.
In total, the diner has been the source of five winning tickets worth $1 million or more, along with earning $60,000 in retailer bonuses. This streak has notably increased the diner’s lottery sales by 37%, positioning it as one of the leading lottery retailers statewide.
Manager Binod BK remarked on the unusual luck, saying, “There’s something about this place.”
