Inside, the atmosphere promises an intriguing blend of the past and the future. On the walls, nostalgic graphics depicting the Cybertruck are mixed with a surprising guest: a prototype of the Tesla Optimus humanoid robot, which some believe could even serve tables in the future.
Rendering: Ed Howard via Twitter
Photo of Elon Musk: AFP
The news
Tesla, the giant that has redefined electric mobility, is about to launch a project that goes far beyond four wheels, promising to merge the past and the future in the beating heart of Hollywood. Forget simple charging points: the Tesla Diner and Supercharger is about to open, an ambitious concept that combines the nostalgia of 1950s American drive-ins with cutting-edge ultra-fast charging and, perhaps, robotics. The announcement of a Tesla restaurant is not entirely new. Back in 2018, Elon Musk floated the idea of a themed fast food restaurant. As usual, however, the visionary CEO's ideas take time to materialize – just think of the long-awaited new Roadster. But while the sports car remains a mirage, the diner project has finally taken shape, turning a dream into a neon-lit, chrome-plated reality.
From tweet to reality: The Diner comes to life
The first stone was laid in Hollywood in 2023, and construction is now almost complete. On July 14, Musk himself stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he had already had lunch at the restaurant, although he did not provide any photographic evidence. On site, however, the scene is clear: the scaffolding is gone, revealing a building with Tesla's elegant and recognizable simplicity. White walls and seats predominate, with gray accents and, in a touch that immediately evokes the imagery of classic diners, red neon stripes running along the building. The circular entrance is topped by the illuminated sign “Tesla Diner.”
Retro and high-tech: an explosive mix
Inside, the atmosphere promises an intriguing blend of the past and the future. On the walls, nostalgic graphics depicting the Cybertruck are mixed with a surprising guest: a prototype of the humanoid robot Tesla Optimus. Its presence raises fascinating questions: will Optimus be serving burgers and fries in the future, or is its function purely for display? For now, it remains a futuristic suggestion.
Outside, the scene is dominated by 75 V4 Supercharger charging stations, many of which are already operational and frequented by a fleet of Teslas, including numerous Cybertrucks, which look almost posed in the Hollywood movie setting. The sign at the entrance announces 24/7 service, guaranteeing energy and culinary refreshments at any time. An additional treat are the two outdoor maxi screens, which will show timeless classics such as American Graffiti and 2001: A Space Odyssey, an explicit tribute to the American lifestyle of the 1960s and 1970s.
From the challenges of Santa Monica to Hollywood glory
Interestingly, the original location for the project was Santa Monica. A few months after Musk's initial tweet, permits had even been obtained for a restaurant and a charging station. However, local regulatory hurdles forced a change of course. The Superchargers were still built in Santa Monica, but the diner found its permanent home in the more iconic Hollywood.
The official opening is still pending, but the project fits perfectly into Musk's all-encompassing vision, which ranges from automotive to artificial intelligence to space travel. Without a doubt, this bold culinary venture will add another ingredient to the complex narrative of a company that never ceases to make headlines.
