Tops, Smithfield Sponsoring Live Paula Deen Event

Tops Markets LLC and Smithfield Foods are bringing “Paula Deen Live!” to the Northeast regional grocer’s home community of Buffalo, N.Y., on April 20. Deen will host a two-hour interactive cooking show on stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.

Through March 5, Tops customers can register their BonusCards at www.topsmarkets.com, and every time they check out at any of the grocer’s stores, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a “Paula Deen Live!” VIP package that includes a meet-and-greet with the celebrity chef herself, an autographed cookbook and two tickets to see the show. Also, each time Tops shoppers buy any Smithfield product using a registered Tops BonusCard, they automatically get 10 extra chances to win.

The show marks Deen’s first appearance in Buffalo and is part of the culinary star’s new touring production. Her husband, Michael Groover, will join her on stage to interact with audience members, answer questions and entertain while preparing the Southern country style dishes Deen is known for.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 11. Prices are $44.75 for reserved seating and $100 for VIP tickets that include an opportunity to meet Deen before the show.

Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops operates 132 full-service supermarkets -- 127 company-owned and five franchise locations in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania – and employs more than 13,000 associates.