After graduating from Brother Rice, a local Catholic high school, he attended the University of Illinois where he obtained his bachelor's degree in restaurant management.

Tunney gained full ownership of the Ann Sather Restaurant and expanded it into a successful local chain.

[3] Tunney opened his restaurants to grassroots and nonprofit organizations as town halls, serving as free meeting places.

He committed himself to helping people with HIV and AIDS through programs he created, adopted by the Illinois Masonic Hospital.

With a growing business network, Tunney became a fundraiser for local gay and lesbian political advocacy groups.

[citation needed] Tunney chaired the small business subcommittee of the Chicago Economic Development Committee.

In 2013, Tunney denied unattributed published reports that he supported moving or demolish the iconic scoreboard at Wrigley Field to clear the view for nearby rooftops owners.

[8][9] Tunney has had an often adversarial relationship with the Ricketts family, current owners of the Chicago Cubs, whose stadium, Wrigley Field, is located in his ward.