Tops opens store in Watertown with pledge that it is 'here to stay'

Tops is here to stay.

That was the message from Frank Curci, Tops Markets president and chief executive officer, for the crowd at a re-opening ceremony for the Tops store in Seaway Plaza, Route 11.

“Our customers have high expectations for use and those expectations we're ready to meet,” he said. “We plan to enrich the community by giving back with significant and long-lasting contributions. We will use local vendors, growers and agencies.”

Tops Friendly Markets held grand re-opening ceremonies at 20 former P&C Foods stores in Central and Northern New York. In the north country, Pulaski and Lowville also had ceremonies.

The Seaway Plaza and 18 other stores were part of Tops's $85 million purchase of a majority of Penn Traffic's assets through U.S. Bankruptcy Court in late January. After buying the stores, Tops, Buffalo, agreed in March to sell P&C stores in Canton, Potsdam, Massena, Gouverneur and West Carthage to Price Chopper.

Tops retained ownership of stores in Ogdensburg, Watertown, Lowville and Pulaski, although the Ogdensburg store was one of 24 that closed.

Lowville Mayor Mary E. Youngs also lauded Tops' decision to continue operations in her village. “As we all know, the heart of the community is the grocery store,” she said.

State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, attended the Lowville ceremony, even though a grand opening was being held simultaneously at the Rome store. He also used the opportunity to praise the employees.

“I think one of the greatest resources we have when we promote our area is the workers,” Mr. Griffo said.