News Summary
Tesla Diner, Elon Musk’s first restaurant, opened in Hollywood featuring a retro-futuristic design and 80 electric vehicle charging stations. The diner operates 24/7, offering classic diner food and a unique experience with a robot server and geofence ordering system. The soft launch saw thousands of Tesla fans gather, while protests against Musk’s ventures occurred nearby. Plans for expansion are already in the works depending on the success of this location.
California – Tesla Diner officially opened its doors on Monday in Hollywood, marking Elon Musk’s first venture into the restaurant industry. Located at the former site of a Shakey’s Pizza, the diner features a retro-futuristic design that reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation. The establishment is unique for its inclusion of 80 electric vehicle charging stations and two massive 66-foot screens, making it a hub for Tesla owners and diners alike. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it caters to night owls and day-trippers, providing a unique dining experience at any hour.
On its opening day, Tesla Diner attracted more than 1,000 customers, all eager to see what the new concept had to offer. Many Tesla owners dressed their vehicles with custom decals for the occasion, including playful designs featuring the popular Doge meme. Guests experienced a lively atmosphere as they waited in line, with some noting the friendly interactions among diners.
The menu at Tesla Diner includes classic American diner fare, featuring items such as the “Tesla Burger” and “Epic Bacon.” Curated by chef Eric Greenspan, it also boasts options like fried chicken & waffles, grilled cheese, and tuna melts. Prices for menu items range from $4 for fries to $15 for biscuits with red gravy, appealing to a variety of tastes and budgets. Customers can handle their orders through an app that also allows them to watch movies on the giant screens or right from their vehicles.
The diner has incorporated elements of Tesla technology, including a humanoid robot named Optimus who serves popcorn. Furthermore, an innovative “geofence” ordering system prepares meals based on the vehicle’s location, allowing for a seamless pickup experience upon arrival. A 360-degree rooftop is accessible by staircase, offering stunning views of the massive screens and a showcase of Tesla’s next-generation robots.
The soft launch prior to the official opening had generated considerable buzz online, spotlighting the unique design and experience awaiting customers. Elon Musk, ever the visionary, expressed plans to expand the Tesla Diner concept to other major cities and Supercharger locations worldwide, conditional on the success of the Hollywood establishment.
While the exciting new diner drew a significant crowd, it also came with its share of controversy. Nearby, a group of protesters expressed their discontent with Musk’s business ventures, voicing anti-Musk sentiments. Security measures were in place initially, limiting access until 4:20 p.m., a tongue-in-cheek nod to Musk’s humorous connections with cannabis culture.
Despite the vibrant opening environment, Tesla Diner currently does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment option, a departure from Tesla’s typical embrace of digital currencies. Nevertheless, the concept aims to blend dining with entertainment, further embedding Tesla into the lifestyle of its users while potentially reshaping the restaurant industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Tesla Diner Opens in Hollywood
- Wikipedia: Tesla, Inc.
- CNBC: Photos from the Tesla Diner Opening
- Google Search: Tesla Diner Hollywood
- KTLA: Tesla Diner Features Giant Movie Screen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants
- Fox Business: First Tesla Diner Opens in Hollywood
- Google News: Tesla Diner
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
