Al's Supermarket, a family-owned grocery chain serving Northwest Indiana for nearly 80 years, is celebrating a historic Powerball jackpot win that has generated excitement throughout La Porte and the surrounding region.

Founded in 1946 by Al Pontius, the company remains family owned and operated, led today by second-generation owner Gil Pontius and Vice President Alexis Pontius-Buell, his daughter. Al's operates three Indiana locations, including two stores in Michigan City and one in La Porte, along with its sister store, Barney's, in New Buffalo, Michigan. Known for its commitment to customer service and community involvement, Al's has become a trusted hometown grocery destination for generations of shoppers.

A Longtime Hoosier Lottery Retail Partner

Al's Supermarket has partnered with the Hoosier Lottery for 36 years, offering customers a variety of Scratch-offs and Draw games at its Indiana locations. The La Porte store has shown a strong commitment to serving lottery players. Store Manager Don Gonser has dedicated 45 years to Al's, while Front End Office Manager Jay Bado has helped expand lottery offerings and enhance customer experience. Their efforts have contributed to continued growth and made the location a popular destination for Hoosier Lottery players.

A Winning Moment for La Porte

That partnership took center stage on April 29, 2026, when a regular customer purchased a Powerball ticket at the La Porte location that matched all winning numbers. The ticket split a $143 million jackpot with another winning ticket sold in Kansas, resulting in a $71.7 million prize for the Indiana winner.

News of the jackpot quickly spread throughout the area, generating excitement among residents and shoppers alike. “This win has created an incredible buzz throughout La Porte and neighboring towns,” store representatives said. The winning ticket not only changed the life of one customer but also brought attention to a local business that has served the region for generations.

A Lasting Community Legacy

While the jackpot has placed Al's Supermarket in the spotlight, the company's greatest success continues to be its connection to the communities it serves.

From its beginnings as a single grocery store to a respected regional business serving Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan, Al's has remained committed to customer care, community involvement, and hometown values. The historic Powerball win adds a memorable chapter to that legacy, highlighting how a local family-owned business continues to bring communities together.