Tesla's latest eatery, embodying a blend of past and future aesthetics, serves as a restaurant, charging station, and promotional strategy.
Tesla Diner: A Retro-Futuristic Blend of Food, Charging, and Entertainment
Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, has opened a unique dining experience in Los Angeles: the Tesla Diner. This retro-futuristic diner and drive-in charging station combines classic American diner food with one of the largest urban Tesla Supercharger sites.
Located in Hollywood, the Tesla Diner boasts 80 V4 Supercharger stalls, compatible with all NACS EVs. Customers can order food either in advance or upon arrival through their vehicle's touchscreen, with meals delivered directly to their car window or available for dining inside. The menu, developed by chef Eric Greenspan, includes classic diner fare such as burgers served in Cybertruck-styled boxes, fries, chicken wings, hot dogs, hand-spun milkshakes, and sandwiches.
The diner's design is reminiscent of "The Jetsons," surrounded by electric car chargers. Human servers on roller skates enhance the retro vibe, while rooftop deck views of the Hollywood sign and large theater-style LED screens for movies and special features provide an entertaining backdrop. The presence of Tesla’s Optimus robots serving popcorn and interacting with guests adds a futuristic touch.
Entertainment options are accessible both inside the diner and through an app for Tesla vehicles, providing a multi-sensory experience that blends dining, charging, and entertainment. On a recent visit, the movies shown were a mix of old black-and-white classics, cartoons, and Cybertruck commercials.
However, security was prominent at the Tesla Diner on Monday, with protesters lined up next to the diner over the weekend, targeting Tesla dealerships around the country. Musk, a polarizing figure due to his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was a right-hand man to President Donald Trump for a few months and was tasked with creating the DOGE, which has since culled thousands of jobs from federal agencies.
The Tesla Diner is open 24/7 and offers an all-day menu that includes grilled cheese, burgers, tuna melts, and beef-tallow fries. Tesla staffers sold branded merchandise to customers in line, including hats, hoodies, Tesla Bot action figures, and Tesla-branded gummies. Despite the initial success, the Tesla Diner has not yet been replicated as promised by Musk for other locations.
[1] Electrek (2023). Tesla Diner in Hollywood is now open, serving food and charging cars [2] The Verge (2023). Tesla Diner is a retro-futuristic restaurant and charging station [3] CNET (2023). Tesla Diner: The first restaurant-charging station hybrid is now open
[1] The opening of Tesla Diner in Hollywood marks a significant milestone in the food-and-drink business, bringing together the restaurant industry and finance through the innovative venture. [2] By incorporating technology in its operations, such as touchscreen ordering, Optimus robots, and in-car entertainment features, the diner sets a new standard for future businesses in the entertainment and lifestyle sectors. [3] This unique blend of food, charging, and entertainment is expected to revolutionize the automotive industry and the way people experience food-and-drink establishments,reflecting the advancements in the global business and technology landscape.
