After a prolonged period of construction and authorization holdups, the long-awaited Tesla diner and drive-in in Hollywood is finally ready to throw open its doors. Over the previous weekend, an exclusive sneak-peek event was hosted, attended by first responders, and even featuring multiple Optimus units at the venue. First mooted by Elon Musk in 2022, this venture is one of the celebrated entrepreneur’s cherished dreams, conceived long before his foray into the realm of politics and subsequent sweeping changes in multiple federal bodies under the guise of the Department of Government Efficiency.
It was no small feat to bring this controversial Tesla diner to fruition. For an extended period, its culinary direction was up in the air until it landed in the capable hands of Eric Greenspan, a renowned ghost kitchen chef, who was appointed to shape the diner’s menu earlier this year. Furthermore, as reported by The New York Times, the project sees the involvement of Bill Chait, a seasoned restaurateur known for his contribution to several notable food establishments such as Bestia, Vespertine, and Destroyer, among others.
The unveiling of the Tesla diner was not without its share of drama. Local sentiment was sparked when Margarita and Walter Manzke, the well-regarded co-proprietors of Los Angeles’ lauded eatery République, publicly endorsed the diner. However, controversy did not dampen the ambitious plans of the project.
The ground-breaking Tesla diner is set to redefine the dining experience, merging state-of-the-art technology with culinary indulgence. It is equipped with 110 V4 chargers which are currently the fastest available in the charging sphere, forever altering the dynamics of on-the-go electric charging. As an added feature, a drive-in movie theater complemented by towering 45-foot screens forms part of the experience.
While 110 chargers are installed across the property, primarily in a supplementary parking area, the vicinity of the movie theater screens houses 35 vehicle chargers. This arrangement assures customers of the ease of access and convenience designed with them in mind. The application of efficient spatial arrangement ensures that charging spots and entertainment spots do not encroach upon each other’s realms.
The architectural design of the diner echoes the ethos of Tesla, carrying a retro-futuristic vibe, underscored by sleek, curved lines and metallic elements in its detailing. There’s a seamless blend of past, present, and future, where the nostalgia of the drive-in merges with cutting-edge electric car technology.
The aesthetic appeal of the structure was given top priority, with Franz von Holzhausen, the chief designer of Tesla, personally overseeing the design of the building. His vision didn’t stop at the building’s exterior; he was intricately involved in almost every facet of the customer experience, mirroring Musk’s attention to user-centric design.
The interior of the Tesla Diner does not disappoint either. The indoor dining area is as appetizing as the menu, flaunting a winding counter and vibrant neon lighting that enhances the space. Ambience takes center stage, balancing comfort with style to create an inviting place for patrons to dine.
Adding to the allure of the venue is a rooftop dining space that offers marvelous views and visibility even from the street below. The area provides an option for diners looking for a change of scenery from their cars or those who prefer a more traditional sit-down meal experience under the starry Hollywood sky.
On the food front, patrons can look forward to an array of fast food classics prepared under the watchful eyes of Eric Greenspan. Beyond his role here, Greenspan is also the force behind New School American, a small-scale cheese company favored by culinary royalty such as Nancy Silverton at Chi Spacca.
The menu of the diner is a homage to comfort food. It runs the gamut from burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs to milkshakes and more. Designed to satiate quick hunger pangs, the food offering matches the swift nature of the electric car experience.
Early visuals from the diner also reveal a touch of the whimsical with a Cybertruck-inspired burger container. And not forgetting, the Tesla Diner also stocks an array of Tesla merchandise, providing memorabilia to the brand’s fans and a slice of the Tesla legacy.
Situated at 7001 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, the Tesla Diner plans to be operational round the clock. It aims to serve its customers at all hours, paralleling the 24-hour nature of the city it resides in, the City of Angels.