Joliet Lottery Ticket Buyers: This Place Is Hot

JOLIET, IL — Everybody is smiling this week around the Mobil gas station on Joliet's east side near Interstate 80. And Illinois lottery tickets are selling like hotcakes. That's because Mobil owner Mohammad Fahmi has done it again. On Friday, the Mobil on New Lenox Road sold a Mega Millions ticket that turned out to be a $2 million winner.

But four days later, the winner remains shrouded in mystery.

Illinois Lottery officials issued a press release on Tuesday morning indicating the $2 million Joliet winner has not come forward yet.

Still, Fahmi gets $20,000 for selling the winning ticket. The Mobil is owned and operated by he and his business partner, Ed Ayesh.

Fahmi was thrilled to be interviewed on Tuesday afternoon by the Joliet Patch. He, too, is anxious to know who bought the lucky $2 million ticket.

He said he's really hoping the new millionaire is one of his regular lottery customers.

The Mobil gets a lot of business from Joliet area residents but a number of travelers along Interstate 80 also stop there, he said.

Friday's $2 million winner was not a fluke. There are signs displayed around the New Lenox Road Mobil celebrating the store's previous success. Fahmi's Mobil had a $500,000 winning ticket in 2015, he explained.

"Our reputation came with the lottery, this is the place, on this side of town," Fahmi said. "It is nice and I've met a lot of nice people. It's all about customer service and we give back to the community and to the high school."

Since word got out Monday in the Joliet Patch and other area news media outlets, Fahmi said he's seen a huge spike in lottery ticket sales.

He said that some of his regular customers have been keeping a close eye on their neighbors, studying their mannerisms and behaviors since news of Joliet's $2 million winning ticket became known. Perhaps one of their neighbors is the winner, his customers have been telling him.

As for his $20,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket, Fahmi said he plans to use a large portion of the proceeds for upkeep and building improvements to the New Lenox Road gas station and convenience store.

ORIGINAL JOLIET PATCH ARTICLE: $2M Mega Millions Winner Sold In Joliet