News Summary
Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner has opened its doors in Hollywood, offering a blend of classic American food and futuristic technology. Located at the former Shakey’s Pizza site, it features retro-futuristic design, 80 electric vehicle charging stations, and an automated ordering system. Guests can enjoy themed diner fare and movie screenings, all while supervised by a humanoid robot. The diner has already attracted significant crowds and aims to expand to other major cities if successful.
California – Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner officially opened its doors on Monday in Hollywood, showcasing a unique dining experience that combines classic American food with futuristic technology. Positioned at the site of the former Shakey’s Pizza, the diner now features a retro-futuristic design that attracts both Tesla fans and food enthusiasts alike.
The establishment boasts an impressive 80 electric vehicle charging stations to accommodate Tesla owners and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Guests have the option to watch movies on two giant 66-foot screens while enjoying their meals or through the Tesla Diner app directly from their vehicles. This innovative approach caters to the needs of Tesla drivers, allowing for a smooth blend of dining and entertainment.
At Tesla Diner, customers can indulge in an array of classic diner fare, with themed menu items such as the “Tesla Burger” and “Epic Bacon”. Created by chef Eric Greenspan, the menu offers a delightful variety, including fried chicken and waffles, grilled cheese, and tuna melts. Menu prices are accessible, ranging from $4 for fries to $15 for biscuits with red gravy, ensuring affordability for a diverse customer base.
The diner integrates advanced Tesla technology, showcased by the presence of a humanoid robot named Optimus, which serves popcorn to diners. This tech-forward approach aligns with Musk’s vision of merging dining experiences with innovative technology, further enhancing the customer experience. An automated “geofence” system is also in place, allowing customers to place their orders in advance, with meals being prepared based on their vehicle’s arrival.
On its inaugural day, Tesla Diner drew a crowd of at least a thousand patrons, showcasing the immense interest in this new venture. Many Tesla owners even customized their vehicles with decals to commemorate the opening, including designs featuring the popular Doge meme. Besides the exhilarating ambiance, customers praised the fun atmosphere and friendly interactions while they waited in line to enter.
Access to the diner was initially restricted by security, with guests permitted to enter at 4:20 p.m., a subtle nod to Musk’s well-known humorous references to marijuana culture. The establishment also features a 360-degree rooftop accessible via a staircase, offering guests views of the massive screens and Tesla’s robots in action.
As part of his expansion plans, Musk indicated that if the Hollywood location proves successful, he plans to roll out the diner concept to major cities and Supercharger sites worldwide. The soft launch prior to the public opening had already generated considerable attention online, highlighting the diner’s unique design and innovative offerings.
While the opening was widely celebrated, it was not without controversy. Some protests against Musk’s involvement in the diner were held nearby, with demonstrators expressing anti-Musk sentiments. It is essential to note that despite its high-tech appeal, the diner currently does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment option, diverging from Musk’s previous ventures at the intersection of tech and finance.
In summary, the Tesla Diner represents Elon Musk’s intriguing entry into the restaurant industry, merging food, technology, and entertainment in a manner unique to the Tesla brand. The Hollywood opening marks a significant moment not only for the diner but also for the potential future of such dining experiences in cities across the globe.
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- Los Angeles Times
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