Old Salt Hits Big Mega Millions Jackpot

Playing the lottery has become a fun, weekly activity for a group of 34 employees ever since New Hampshire residents had a shot at roughly half a billion dollars earlier this year as part of a Mega Millions jackpot.

Business co-owner Kathy Taylor said the employees "continued to carry on" and played the lottery twice each week even though they missed the big jackpot — although that record drawing now seems like a distant memory amidst all the jubilation in the downtown Hampton restaurant Wednesday.

Old Salt employees won $40,000 in Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing after getting every winning number, save for the final one. The odds of doing so were 686-1, and Taylor said it's been "unbelievable" inside the business Wednesday because of the "surreal" win.

"Everybody's thrilled," said Taylor. "It couldn’t have come at a better time because people need money. Some people are excited just because they can pay their rent. It's just awesome.

"The chances it would happen are just... it's just pure luck. It's crazy."

The group of employees — which was at one time as large as 64 employees — have won smaller lottery prizes numerous times since the February drawing, including one $260 prize and several around $20.

Taylor said the group has rolled those winnings back into the lottery pool, using the money to buy two tickets each week and compensate for the weeks they suffered losses.

When divided evenly, each Old Salt employee will take home $1,176.47 before taxes — a "shocking" amount that Taylor said has most considering ways to put the money to practical use.

"One girl said she would pay her rent this month, and two people said they would put new tires on their cars," said Taylor. "I have three kids and I’m married. I don't know how I'll spend it — probably paying bills. I'm not sure how I'll spend it, but it'll probably go to a good use."

Employees haven't yet received the lottery winnings, as Taylor said they're still working to complete all the paperwork. She said the business will likely hold a party in the near future once the money arrives in order to celebrate with the community.