Gene Simmons, the renowned co-founder and co-lead singer of the iconic hard rock band "Kiss," was honored by the City of Niagara Falls for his contributions to the local business community. In recognition of his achievements, Simmons was awarded the 'Key to the City' of Niagara Falls along with a boulevard named in his honor.
The ceremony occurred on Sunday, August 18th, with Mayor Robert Restaino, as well as other local and state officials, commending Simmons for his partnership with Rock Steady Sodas and positive impact on the local business landscape.
Simmons expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, "The business community in Upstate New York is alive and thriving, and I am honored to be a part of it. 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, a family-owned soda manufacturing company based in Niagara Falls since 1935, has been the platform for Simmons' contributions to the community. In 2017, Simmons collaborated with Rock Steady Sodas to launch MoneyBag Sodas, a premium soda line made with pure cane sugar and available in six different flavors including cola, diet cola, root beer, ginger ale, cream soda, and blood orange.
The success of MoneyBag Sodas has been remarkable, with the brand recently surpassing the milestone of one million bottles sold since its inception approximately eight years ago. The products are currently sold regionally at Tops Markets, Wegmans, and select Walmart stores with plans for further expansion throughout the United States.
John Janik, Vice President of Rock Steady Sodas, expressed his appreciation for Simmons' business acumen and branding expertise, stating, "Gene's depth of business knowledge and consumer branding expertise has been an invaluable asset to our company. 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."
Tops Friendly Markets, one of the first retailers to offer MoneyBag Sodas, was recognized for their instrumental role in the brand's success. As a company founded in Niagara Falls over 60 years ago, Tops CEO John Persons expressed his pride in the longstanding partnership, stating, "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."
Gene Simmons of 'Kiss' Receives Key to the City of Niagara Falls and Boulevard Named in His Honor