Elon Musk, a name that has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology and ambitious ventures, is making an unexpected foray into the food and film industries. The Tesla founder, best known for his revolutionary work in electric vehicles and space exploration, is now planning to open a 1950s-style restaurant in Hollywood, California.
This move signals Musk’s expanding interest in dominating more than just technology and transportation, as he seeks to carve out his influence in the worlds of dining and entertainment.
Musk’s bold new venture is the creation of a retro diner located on the famous Santa Monica Boulevard, nestled in the heart of Hollywood. This development, which has been in the works for several years, has recently gained fresh attention as Musk continues to build his empire across multiple industries.
The Tesla restaurant, as it is being called, is set to blend elements of 1950s Americana with futuristic design and high-tech features that fans of Musk have come to expect from his ventures.
The Tesla restaurant will not be just another run-of-the-mill eatery. It is set to be a multi-level establishment that will operate 24 hours a day. The 1950s-style diner will evoke the nostalgic charm of a bygone era, complete with neon lights and a menu featuring classic American diner staples. It will serve fresh grilled burgers and hand-spun milkshakes, paired with an experience that caters to the modern electric vehicle owner.
With seventy-five Tesla charging stations available for patrons, the restaurant will give customers the ability to charge their cars while enjoying a meal. Additionally, there will be outdoor movie screens, allowing customers to watch blockbuster films while dining or charging their vehicles.
For those who are used to the convenience of drive-thru service, the Tesla restaurant will feature carhop service, where food will be delivered directly to vehicles, reminiscent of the traditional drive-in restaurants of the 1950s. The project is designed by the architectural firm Stantec, and in addition to the main dining area, there will be a bar, rooftop seating, and a spacious area for customers to enjoy their food and the atmosphere.
Musk first teased the idea of this retro-inspired diner back in 2018, when he posted a message on social media stating, “Gonna put an old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in LA.” At the time, this idea seemed like another one of Musk’s many ambitious ideas, but now, years later, it is beginning to take shape, and the anticipation around the opening of the Tesla restaurant is growing.
Despite the excitement surrounding the restaurant’s concept, the project has not been without controversy. As Musk’s public persona continues to evolve, some critics have raised concerns about his shifting political allegiances and the potential impact of his actions on the Tesla brand.
Many customers have expressed dismay over Musk’s political ties, particularly his support for former President Donald Trump and far-right groups. Some Tesla owners feel that Musk has betrayed the very demographic that helped Tesla become a global leader in the electric vehicle market.
California, which has historically been Tesla’s largest market, saw a surge of anger from consumers who were disillusioned by Musk’s political moves, particularly his efforts to reduce government spending and resources.
While many have voiced dissatisfaction with Musk’s actions, there are also those who remain loyal to the Tesla brand, regardless of the CEO’s political affiliations. Thom Dionne, a local resident, commented, “If you’re gonna take that route, I mean you can find any political stance and boycott any business that you don’t align yourself with, but it’s a great product, people love it.”
Similarly, one enthusiastic social media user praised the concept of the Tesla diner, stating, “Tesla’s Hollywood Diner is a genius mashup—retro vibes, killer burgers, and blockbuster screens while you charge. Could be the future of EV stops if the execution’s as slick as the idea.”
As the restaurant nears completion, Musk has also secured an acclaimed chef to oversee the culinary side of the project. Chef Eric Greenspan, known for his appearances on television networks such as NBC, Food Network, and A&E, has been tapped to bring his expertise to the diner.
Greenspan, who has built a reputation in the food world through his work with Alt/Grub/Faction, a delivery-only virtual kitchen operation, and his popular restaurant The Foundry, will bring a creative touch to the Tesla restaurant. Although other chefs reportedly declined to work for the project, Greenspan’s decision to take the job has been hailed as a major step in ensuring the diner’s success.
Musk has made it clear that he believes this project will be a game-changer in the world of dining, stating, “It will be cool.” Despite the mixed reactions, the restaurant promises to blend nostalgia with innovation in a way that only Musk could envision.
The combination of old-school Americana with modern-day convenience—like charging stations for electric vehicles—makes the restaurant a truly unique concept.
The Tesla restaurant is part of a broader trend of innovation that Musk has brought to various industries. Whether it’s electric vehicles, space exploration, or now, food and entertainment, Musk continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional business models.
While some critics argue that Musk is stretching himself too thin by venturing into so many different sectors, others believe that his ability to revolutionize industries makes him one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time.
The development of the Tesla diner comes at a time when Musk’s influence over Tesla and its future is under increasing scrutiny. The Tesla brand, once known for its innovative technology and environmentally conscious approach, now finds itself grappling with public relations issues.
The company’s stock has fluctuated in response to Musk’s actions, and the backlash from his political leanings and controversial statements has left some investors wondering whether Tesla can maintain its momentum.
Nevertheless, Musk’s vision for the future remains undeterred. The Tesla restaurant is not just about serving food or providing a space to charge electric vehicles. It is a statement about Musk’s ambition to dominate every corner of modern life, from transportation to dining to entertainment.
With the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing popularity of eco-friendly alternatives, Musk’s foray into the food and film industries seems like a natural progression for someone who is always looking to expand his empire.
As the restaurant nears completion, it remains to be seen how successful the venture will be. Will it revolutionize the dining experience for electric vehicle owners? Will it become a hub for movie lovers and food enthusiasts alike? Only time will tell.
But one thing is certain: Elon Musk’s ambitions know no bounds, and his latest venture is just another step in his quest to reshape the world in his image.