Tops Friendly Markets and Smithfield to bring 'Paula Deen Live!' to Buffalo

Sun, Feb 6th 2011 02:00 pm

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania and its long-standing partner, Smithfield, are proud to bring "Paula Deen Live!" to Buffalo on April 20. Deen will host a two-hour interactive cooking show, live on-stage at Shea's Performing Arts Center.

From Feb. 6 through March 5, Tops shoppers can register their BonusCards at www.topsmarkets.com, and every time they check out at any Tops store they're automatically entered for a chance to win a "Paula Deen Live!" VIP package, including a meet-and-greet with Deen, an autographed cookbook and two tickets to see "Paula Deen Live!" on April 20. Each time Tops shoppers purchase any Smithfield product using their registered Tops BonusCard, they are automatically given 10 extra chances to win.

"We're very excited to be part of the team that's bringing Paula Deen to Buffalo," said Frank Curci, Tops' president and CEO. "I'd like to thank our partners at Smithfield for presenting this opportunity to Tops, and for helping us offer Tops shoppers the unique opportunity to meet Paula personally." 

The two-hour show will be Deen's first appearance in Buffalo and is part of the successful restaurateur, best-selling cookbook author, Food Network superstar, and multi-media personality's new touring production. She is known for being warm, engaging, charming and full of sage advice, tart observations, sweet recollections and spicy humor. And yes, she cooks, too.

Deen will be joined on-stage by her husband, Michael Groover, as they interact with audience members, answer questions, and entertain while preparing Deen's famous southern, country cuisine.

 "We're so happy to partner with Tops for this event and with our spokesperson, Paula Deen," said Dennis Pittman, Smithfield's director of corporate communications. "The show is sure to bring a little Southern flare to blustery Buffalo."

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning on Feb. 11. Available prices are $44.75 for reserved seating and $100 for VIP tickets, which include an opportunity to meet Deen before the show. Tickets may be purchased at Shea's Box Office, 650 Main St. (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.), and participating Ticketmaster outlets, including Macy's stores, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.