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A Peabody man won a $5 million lottery prize on Wednesday, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission said.
Cesko Gjinaj won the prize after he entered the $5,000,000 100X Cashword instant ticket game, the statement said. According to the commission’s website, there is a one in 5,040,000 chance of winning that prize. The commission confirmed Gjinaj bought the winning ticket at From Brazil Restaurant in Peabody.
The restaurant’s owner, Felipe Ladeira, said it seemed to be business as usual for Gjinaj the day after his big win. Laderia said Gjinaj is a regular at the restaurant, and that he came back in on Thursday “very happy” about his luck.
“It was funny, because we never thought we were gonna see him again,” Laderia said. “But he was here drinking coffee and buying more tickets.”
The statement said Gjinaj opted for a cash payout of his winnings and received a one-time payment of $3.25 million (before taxes). He told the commission he plans to invest his winnings into a business or property.
Gjinaj isn’t the big winner. Since From Brazil Restaurant sold the winning ticket, the commission said the Peabody establishment will receive a $50,000 bonus. Laderia said the money will “help a lot.”
“The restaurant needs a little bit of care,” Laderia said. “We’re probably going to renovate the restaurant side, and use the rest of the money for the business.”
Gjinaj did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
Eva Levin is a general assignment co-op for Boston.com. She covers breaking and local news in Boston and beyond.
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