Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Gene Simmons Celebrates Successful Venture with Niagara Falls Soda Business

Simmons honored by Niagara County officials & business leaders for his investment in the region.

Niagara Falls, NY – On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer and Worldwide Entrepreneur Gene Simmons was recognized by local and county officials in Niagara Falls for his contributions to the local business community resulting from a successful partnership with Rock Steady Sodas. The rock icon also received the “Key to the City” from Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and a downtown street in the Falls was named “Gene Simmons Boulevard” in his honor.

Simmons’ draw to Niagara Falls first began with the formation of MoneyBag Sodas with Paul Janik, John Janik, and Chris Haick, owners of Rock Steady Sodas, Inc., a third-generation, family-owned soda manufacturing company with roots dating back to 1935. As an avid entrepreneur, Simmons valued the opportunity to work with a family business with such a rich history in its local community. Simmons’ visit encapsulated not just his dedication to MoneyBag Sodas, but also his support of the history and businesses in Niagara County.

Among the many elected officials and business leaders who joined the celebration on Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park were Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino; North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec; NYS Assemblyman Angelo Morinello; Destination Niagara USA President John Percy; and Tops Friendly Markets President John Persons.

“The business community in Upstate New York is alive and thriving, and I am honored to be a part of it,” said Simmons. “This is the ideal picture of a homegrown family business exemplifying strong values and commitment to quality. The people and their work ethic make Niagara Falls a wonderful place to do business.”

Launched in 2017, MoneyBag Sodas was created as a premium soda line. The sodas are made with pure cane sugar, boasting six different flavors, including cola; diet cola; root beer; ginger ale; cream soda; and blood orange. The products are sold regionally at Tops Markets, Wegmans, and select Walmart stores. They are also carried at various retail chains and distributors nationwide, including Hy-Vee; Rocket Fizz; Performance Food Group (PFG); and Nassau Candy. The business is also an affiliate member of Taste NY, a NYS program highlighting the quality, diversity, and economic impact of food and beverages grown, produced, or processed in New York State.

Now, seven years since the business’s launch, MoneyBag Sodas has expanded its footprint into many new retail outlets throughout the U.S. with plans to continue growing.

“Gene’s depth of business knowledge and consumer branding expertise has been an invaluable asset to our company,” said Paul Janik. “We couldn’t be happier to celebrate Gene’s return to the area and look forward to keeping this momentum going here in the heart of the Falls. Gene’s public display of admiration for Niagara Falls truly demonstrates the unlimited potential of the city as a destination not just for tourists, but aspiring business owners and investors alike.”

“Key to the City” of Niagara Falls & Naming of Gene Simmons Boulevard

The gathering at Niagara Falls State Park was followed by a presentation at Niagara Falls City Hall, in which both Mayor Restaino presented Simmons with a “Key to the City of Niagara Falls” to showcase the impact of Simmons’ business presence in the City. Mayor Restaino also announced the naming of “Gene Simmons Boulevard” in downtown Niagara Falls (between Pine Avenue and Cedar Avenue).

“Gene’s visit to Niagara Falls is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the greater Niagara region to embrace a successful entrepreneurial partnership right here in our community,” said Mayor Robert Restaino. “It’s an honor to present Gene with a “Key to the City” and name one of our city streets ‘Gene Simmons Boulevard’ in recognition of his investment in one of our most treasured local businesses.”

Tops Sells 1 Millionth Bottle of MoneyBag Sodas

Simmons’ successful partnership with Rock Steady Sodas is also marked by the recent milestone of 1 million bottles sold.  As one of the product’s first major retail carriers, Tops Friendly Markets was recognized for selling the one millionth bottle produced by the business. In conjunction with this milestone, Tops hosted a customer engagement social media contest, further driving sales and interest in the soda line. The winning Tops customer was presented with a plaque signed by Simmons, as well as a supply of MoneyBag Sodas when Simmons visited Tops’ store location on Niagara Falls Blvd. in Niagara Falls on Sunday afternoon.

“As a company that was also founded in Niagara Falls over 60 years ago, Tops Friendly Markets is pleased to play a role in the tremendous success of MoneyBag Sodas. It’s a fantastic example of regional companies working together to boost our economy and invest in our communities. We’re committed to helping local businesses and entrepreneurs thrive by bringing thousands of locally made products directly to customers across our store locations,” said John Persons, CEO of Northeast Grocery, Inc., parent company of Tops. “Our longstanding partnership with MoneyBag Sodas is a testament to the high quality of their specialty soda products and their appeal to so many of our customers.”

Simmons’ Visit to Culminate with Riviera Theatre Fundraising Concert

Alongside Mayor Restaino, North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec also praised Simmons for his business success with a “Key to North Tonawanda” in connection with Simmons’ live show (as The Gene Simmons Band) at West Herr Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. The solo performance is a featured fundraising concert to celebrate the expansion of the Theatre’s new lobby space. All patrons will have a chance to get a sneak preview of the construction project which includes additional lobby space, new restrooms, concession stand, a new outdoor patio, and other amenities.

“It’s not every day a worldwide celebrity like Gene comes to our hometown and we hope his visit inspires others to support small businesses right here in Niagara County, and most importantly, realize the untapped potential of our region,” said Janik. “As we approach almost a decade in business with Gene, we could not be more excited for the future that lies ahead.”

To learn more about MoneyBag Sodas, visit www.moneybagsodas.com.

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About MoneyBag Sodas

MoneyBag Sodas is a premium pure cane soda line established in 2017 by Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Gene Simmons in cooperation with Rock Steady Sodas, Inc., based in Niagara Falls, NY. The company’s products are carried at Tops Markets, Wegmans, and select Walmart stores. They are also sold through various retail chains and distributors nationwide, including Hy-Vee; Rocket Fizz; Performance Food Group (PFG); and Nassau Candy. To learn more, visit moneybagsodas.com.