There are certain flavors that feel like home. For New Yorkers, the egg cream has always been one of those—the kind of soda fountain classic that carries you straight back to a corner deli in Brooklyn, fizz popping as the chocolate hits your tongue. AriZona Beverages, the iconic Queens-born brand behind the 99¢ big cans we all grew up on, is now giving that tradition a modern lift with its newest release: Chocolate Egg Cream Soda.
But this launch is about more than nostalgia. AriZona has teamed up with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit born from the story of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who sacrificed his life on September 11, 2001. A portion of the proceeds from every can sold will go toward providing mortgage-free homes for families of America’s fallen first responders and Gold Star families, as well as building specially adapted smart homes for wounded veterans. That’s a mission that hits hard—rooted in sacrifice, resilience, and the kind of community spirit New Yorkers never forget.
“Tunnel to Towers represents everything we love about this country: courage, sacrifice, and community,” said Don Vultaggio, Founder of AriZona Beverages. “America is the greatest country in the world, and we feel a deep responsibility to honor the men and women who protect it. This collaboration is our way of showing gratitude and support for the families of our heroes.”
The drink itself stays true to AriZona’s personality—authentic, accessible, and fun. The “egg cream” in name only, this version blends chocolate with a touch of milk to deliver that smooth, frothy taste without the eggs or heavy cream. It’s indulgent, it’s refreshing, and it’s a straight-up nod to Brooklyn’s soda-fountain roots.
Frank Siller, Chairman & CEO of Tunnel to Towers and Stephen’s brother, spoke on the partnership’s deeper meaning:
“We’re honored to partner with AriZona on this special Chocolate Egg Cream Soda, which pays tribute to a beloved Brooklyn tradition that my brother Stephen would have appreciated. As a member of FDNY Squad 1 in Brooklyn, Stephen knew the heart of this community, and this classic soda represents the same spirit of togetherness that drives our mission.”
For a company that built its reputation on keeping things real—99¢ cans, bold flavors, and no gimmicks—this collaboration feels right. AriZona has always been a New York story: family-owned, fiercely authentic, and grounded in everyday culture. Partnering with Tunnel to Towers allows them to connect their hometown pride with a national cause that matters.
The Chocolate Egg Cream Soda is available now at select retailers nationwide and online at DrinkAriZona.com. And if you pick one up, know you’re not just grabbing a can of soda—you’re helping keep Stephen Siller’s legacy alive while supporting families who’ve given more than most of us can imagine.
To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, its mission, and ways you can support, visit T2T.org and follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Because sometimes, a drink is more than a drink. Sometimes it’s a story, a tradition, and a promise that we’ll never forget.
Retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran | NAHJ Member | Writer | Cultural Advocate
I’m Daniel Crespo-Montero Sr., although many know me as El Indio Gordo. I’m the Managing Editor of OMG Magazine, a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and a writer with a passion for culture, community, and storytelling.
My journey hasn’t exactly followed a traditional path, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I spent more than three decades in the U.S. Army, working in military law enforcement, paralegal services, and human resources. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish and an Associate degree in Small Business Entrepreneurship. Those experiences have shaped how I understand people, leadership, and the world around me.
As a proud Boricua with Indigenous Taíno roots, cultural preservation is especially important to me. Within the Higuayagua Taíno community, I’ve served in several leadership roles and currently serve as Pennsylvania’s Regional Kasike and Bahari for Atunwa.
My community involvement has also included serving as a New York City Ambassador for the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. I’m also a former Boy Scout and proud Scout dad.
As Managing Editor, I enjoy exploring entertainment, lifestyle, food and beverages, travel, business, and culture. I believe journalism should inform, entertain, challenge perspectives, and give a voice to stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Beyond the magazine, I’m a father, grandfather, cultural advocate, and independent writer who enjoys sharing observations, experiences, and occasionally a little humor.
I certainly don’t know everything, but I’m always willing to learn something new. And if something catches my attention, chances are I’ll have a few words to share about it.
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