News Release |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: August 18, 2024 |
CONTACT: Kathy Sautter 716 635 5577 |
ROCK AND ROLL HALL-OF-FAMER GENE SIMMONS CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL VENTURE WITH NIAGARA FALLS SODA BUSIN
Simmons honored by City of Niagara Falls and other local and state officials for his investment in t |
|
Niagara Falls, NY – On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer and Worldwide Entrepreneur Gene Simmons was recognized by city and other local and state 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 John Persons, CEO, Northeast Grocery Inc., parent company of Tops Friendly Markets (Tops). “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, as well as distributed throughout Europe by Matgrossisten. The business is also an affiliate member of Taste NY, a 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 John Janik,” Vice President of Rock Steady Sodas. “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.” New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “Congratulations to Paul, John, and Chris on their partnership with Gene Simmons. As third-generation business owners in Niagara Falls, the success of MoneyBag Sodas is exciting for our region and all parties involved.” “The partnership with Gene Simmons not only brings a rock-and-roll legend to our vibrant community but also highlights the remarkable spirit of innovation and dedication that defines Niagara Falls,” said John Percy, President & CEO of Destination Niagara USA. “Gene's involvement with Rock Steady Sodas is a testament to the enduring allure of our region and its potential to inspire and attract visionary entrepreneurs. As we celebrate this exciting collaboration, we look forward to the continued growth and success that will undoubtedly follow." -more- “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 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. “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. Mayor Austin Tylec said, “Welcoming Gene Simmons to our historic Riviera Theatre is a significant event for North Tonawanda. His involvement with our community goes beyond business—it's a celebration of our shared commitment to cultural and economic growth. We’re thrilled to showcase how the arts and local businesses can drive our region forward. This visit highlights the vibrant potential of Niagara County, and we’re honored to be a part of it.” “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. -###- 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. MoneyBag Soda products are carried at Tops Friendly Markets; Wegmans; and select Walmart stores, as well as carried nationwide through various retail chains and distributors, including Hy-Vee, RocketFizz; Performance Food Group (PFG); and Nassau Candy. Moneybag Sodas are also distributed throughout Europe by Matgrossisten. To learn more, visit moneybagsodas.com.
|
|