Interviews

Published on October 11th, 2018 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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Paul Janik Jr. On The New Gene Simmons MoneyBag™ Sodas & Where To Go In Niagara Falls

Rock Steady Sodas, a subsidiary of the Johnnie Ryan Bottling Company, was founded 1935 in Niagara Falls, New York. Rock Steady’s soft drinks are made from fine extracts and premium flavorings, as sweetened with 100 percent pure cane sugar. Furthermore, its products are packaged in a classic glass bottle to preserve freshness, great taste and carbonation. In turn, no expense is spared within the manufacturing process of Rock Steady Sodas’ products.

Earlier this year it was announced that Rock Steady would be collaborating on a line of sodas with KISS bassist and singer Gene Simmons. This collaboration is known as MoneyBag™ Sodas, and these beverages are are available in 4 flavors. An immediate success, MoneyBag™ Sodas can already be found in Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Tops and Rocket Fizz locations all over the United States.

I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the owners of Rock Steady Sodas, Paul Janik Jr., about the work he and brother John have been doing in collaboration with Gene Simmons. To put it simply, this is a heart-warming tale. More on MoneyBag™ Sodas is at www.GeneSimmonsMoneyBag.com.

How did you and Gene first meet?

Paul Janik Jr.: We first met Gene at the Wizard World Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in the spring of 2017. My brother John and I brought our families down in hopes to get some vintage KISS posters signed. Simmons took an interest in our family and inquired about what we did for a living. We explained that we were 3rd-generation soda bottlers who purchased the family business from their father and uncle. Gene immediately told us that he had some ideas and that he would give us a call. We didn’t expect anything from it but three days later we got a call from The Demon himself.

How involved is Gene with your collaboration? Did he himself pick out the flavors?

Paul Janik Jr.: Gene is very involved with our collaboration on MoneyBag™ Sodas. Over a six-month period, hundreds of emails were exchanged over the artwork for the packaging amongst other aspects of the brand. Gene owns the trademark for the MoneyBag™ logo and wanted that to be the main focus of the design. My brother John and I developed a royal-looking crest to surround the MoneyBag™ logo to give the product the regal feel that Gene was looking for.

As far as flavors, he initially wanted a Cola and Diet Cola. We suggested that we add a Ginger Ale, Root Beer and Cream Soda to round out the portfolio. The flavor profiles were developed entirely by my brother John and I. All flavorings and colorings are natural and the product is sweetened with pure cane sugar.

Do you think that there are any misconceptions about Gene?

Paul Janik Jr.: For the most part, Gene is exactly as he appears on interviews or TV. He is extremely intelligent, hard-working and straight-forward. He honestly is one of the hardest-working people I have ever met. Through our correspondences I have learned a great deal about business from him. Some people may not realize what a generous person he is. Gene always supports our veterans, active military, police & firefighters, donating to their causes year-round.

Do you have a favorite of the flavors available?

Paul Janik Jr.: We have worked so hard on all of the flavors that to name a favorite would be like trying to pick your favorite child. I love them all! With the all natural flavorings you really taste the authenticity of each one. The creaminess of the vanilla stands out in the Cream Soda and the distinct aroma of ginger is noticeable the minute you pop the cap on Ginger Ale. If there is an instance where I want a zero-calorie treat, our Diet Cola really hits the spot. People are really impressed with the Diet Cola and have told us it’s the best Diet soda they have ever tried.

What is coming up for Moneybag Sodas in the near-future? More in-store events? Any co-promotions related to Gene or KISS?

Paul Janik Jr.: There are many exciting things on the horizon for Gene Simmons MoneyBag™ Sodas. There are a handful of new products that we are in discussion with Gene about, however we cannot elaborate on them at this time. Gene is about to embark on a huge End Of The Road Tour with KISS at the beginning of next year and he plans to promote the sodas in all the different markets that he will be visiting. I am sure this will include many in-store appearances that will give the fans a chance to meet Gene and sample our product! Gene is wholeheartedly committed to getting the product out to the masses.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

Paul Janik Jr.: Being a family-owned soft drink manufacturer means that you are basically working 7 days a week. We handle every aspect of our business from running the production line, equipment maintenance, research and development, product artwork, marketing and administrative tasks. In the small amount of time away from work, my brother and I enjoy being with our family and friends, going to our children’s sports activities and attending concerts.

So do you own a lot of memorabilia related to Gene and/or KISS?

Paul Janik Jr.: My brother John and I are huge KISS fans and have been collecting KISS merchandise for 35 years. Together we have amassed merchandise ranging from the vintage era of the 70s all the way to present. The first KISS concert we went to was the Creatures Of The Night Tour and shortly after that our parents got us the 1979 Bally KISS pinball machine, after that the floodgates opened and we collected everything KISS. Sleeping bags, pajamas, garbage cans, dolls, guitars…anything we can get our hands on!

What was the latest concert you attended for fun?

Paul Janik Jr.: Actually, the latest concert my brother and attended was The Gene Simmons Band at Turning Stone Casino in Syracuse. Gene and his band sounded excellent and were full of energy. They played many rarities that you would not normally hear at a KISS show. A personal highlight of the show was when Gene called my brother and I up on stage to pass out MoneyBag™ Sodas to people in the audience.

Your company is a big staple of the Niagara Falls area. Aside from going to the falls themselves, for one of our readers who will be visiting the area, what are some of the must-see spots?

Paul Janik Jr.: Other than seeing Niagara Falls itself which is an amazing site, you should definitely experience the Maid Of The Mist boat ride, which takes you right to the base of the Falls so you cannot only see the Falls but actually feel it. Another highlight of our area is our amazing food choices. We have so many great restaurants that are locally owned and operated.

If you are in the mood for pizza, you have to try La Hacienda on Pine Avenue. If you want some of the best wings, stop by Mister B’s on Hyde Park Blvd. If you’re looking for Italian we have Michael’s [Restaurant] and Fortuna’s. Polish food, go to the Polish Nook. The selections are endless.

Finally, Paul, any last words for the kids?

Paul Janik Jr.: Gene and all of us at MoneyBag™ Sodas are very excited for everyone to get out there and try our product! With all natural flavorings and colorings, pure cane sugar and rockstar worthy packaging, it is guaranteed to please. Currently you can find it in Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Tops and Rocket Fizz locations and many more to come soon! Of course, it is also always available online at www.genesimmonsmoneybag.com.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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