Tinucci's Business Soars After Moss' Rude Comments

By Frank Vascellaro, WCCO-TV

NEWPORT, Minn. (WCCO) -- After Randy Moss said he didn't like the Tinucci's catered food he saw at Winter Park, that restaurant has been busier than usual. Moss allegedly said he wouldn't feed his dog Tinucci's food.

One patron of Tinucci's said Friday, "He couldn't be more wrong. This isn't dog food."

On Friday, the restaurant gave a free lunch buffet to the first 50 people who brought in and donated their Moss jersey to a Boys and Girls Club in Tennessee, where Moss will now be playing for the Titans.

But a lot more than 50 people are supporting Tinucci's.

"It's been a little bit of a whirlwind here," said co-owner Gus Tinucci.

Tinucci's served about 500 lunch buffets Friday at a special price of $8.40.

But the people kept coming Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday for brunch.

"I think they had a waiting line for about three hours Saturday night," said Tinucci. "We had 'em from Anoka to Burnsville to Bloomington. Some Wisconsin people even came over because, of course, they really don't like Randy."

Tinucci said this weekend they have a lot more customers than they've had weeks before.

"Overall it's been a great boost to business, took some catering jobs because of it. So we're happy," he said.

Media outlets around the country have been calling Tinucci for interviews.

"I've done three radio interviews already today," he said at noon on Monday.

The business is selling $10 T-shirts that read "Tinucci's caters to the best... no Moss."

"We've sold 400. We're sold out. We've got another order placed. They'll be in tomorrow," Tinucci said.

There is also going to be a special Doggie Bag.

"It's going to be called the Randy Bag. It's going to be purple and it'll have the 84 number with the cross through it," said Tinucci.

Tinucci's has a deli in Woodbury and a deli and dining room in Newport.