NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer, and co-founder of the iconic hard rock band "Kiss" was awarded a "Key to the City" of Niagara Falls, along with a downstreet named in his honor.
Gene Simmons, co-lead singer and bassist of "Kiss", was recognized by Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and other local and state officials Sunday for his contributions to the local business community through his partnership with Rock Steady Sodas.
“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.”
Rock Steady Sodas is a family-owned soda manufacturing company based in Niagara Falls, with operations dating back as early as 1935.
In 2017, Simmons and Rock Steady Sodas launched MoneyBag Sodas, a premium soda line made with pure cane sugar that comes in 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, but also at the national level with plans to continue expansion throughout the U.S.
“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.”
MoneyBag Sodas recently surpassed the milestone of one million bottles sold since its creation approximately eight years ago.
As one of the first retailers to offer the soda line, Tops Friendly Markets was recognized for selling the one-millionth bottle produced by the business.
“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," 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.”
