Craft sodas are big business, and when it comes new exploring new opportunities that rock, Gene Simmons is there. The serial entrepreneur, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of KISS, America’s Number One Gold Record Award-Winning Group of all time (RIAA), has announced the launch of a premium soda line called Money Bag™ Sodas. They’re hitting retail this month in cooperation with Niagara Falls, New York-based Rock Steady Sodas Inc. (a subsidiary of Johnnie Ryan Bottling Company). The Money Bag Sodas line includes cola, diet cola, root beer and ginger ale, and the makers promise that additional flavors are in the works, along with a line of premium fountain sodas.
According to Paul Janik, Jr., President of Rock Steady Sodas, the new line of premium sodas are made with all-natural flavors, colors and sweeteners and are packaged in eco-friendly glass bottles adorned with beautifully detailed painted labels.
Among the retail outlets that are carrying or plan to carry Money Bag Sodas are 7-Eleven stores, Wegmans, Tops Friendly Markets, and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop kicking off in the North East and Los Angeles markets and expanding nationwide. 7-Eleven Stores will also exclusively carry a Money Bag Sodas Cream Soda flavor. The drinks are available in single bottles and 4-packs.
Wizard World + Fans = Soda? The collaboration between Simmons and Rock Steady Soda Partners Paul Janik, Jr, John Janik and Chris Haick, began with a chance meeting at Cleveland’s Wizard World convention. The long time super KISS fans were in attendance with the hope of meeting their rock Idol Gene Simmons, who was a featured guest at the convention. Armed with their vintage posters ready for Simmons’ autograph, John and Paul struck up a soda-centric conversation with the music legend. Simmons asked for their card and they thought that was that. About a week later, Paul received a call from Simmons, who said he owned the trademark for the Money Bag image and would be interested in having Rock Steady Sodas create a Money Bag premium soda line.
“We never dreamed it would be possible to work with someone we have idolized for decades. Gene is the ultimate entrepreneur and a very engaged business partner,” said Paul Janik. “We are honored to have had the opportunity to develop such a rock star-worthy product for soda lovers to enjoy and fans to collect.”
Check out www.genesimmonsmoneybag.com for more!
