A Vision Years in the Making
Elon Musk first teased a 1950s‑style dine‑in, roller‑skating restaurant with Superchargers back in 2018, saying he wanted “an old school drive‑in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in LA” The Verge+6Business Insider+6The Times of India+6. After site moves, architect Stantec designs, permits, and nearly two years of construction, the vision has now materialised Entrepreneur+5Business Insider+5Eater LA+5.
🏛️ Retro-Futuristic Design
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The two-story diner resembles a sleek flying saucer with gleaming stainless steel and neon accents — a harmonious blend of Googie architecture and Jetsons-style futurism Cybernews+1Wikipedia+1.
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Interior features include classic circular diner seating, art‑deco lighting, and Tesla vehicle concept art — framed by a 24/7 sign and streamlined stainless theme Futuro Prossimo+14Notatesla App+14Business Insider+14.
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Rooftop and outdoor seating areas cater to over 250 diners Business Insider+1New York Post+1.
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Designed to stand as a cultural landmark on historic Route 66, replacing a former Shakey’s Pizza locationMotaAuto.com+3Wikipedia+3Business Insider+3.
🔋 Supercharging Meets Cinema
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The site includes approximately 75 V4 Supercharger stalls, letting drivers power up while they dine or relax Elon Buzz+6Entrepreneur+6Wikipedia+6.
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Two 45-foot LED movie screens are strategically placed for drive‑in style entertainment, playing classic or curated clips timed to charging sessions Entrepreneur+1Business Insider+1.
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Screen audio is synced to car speakers, providing a comfortable yet immersive experience YouTube.
🍔 Dining, 24/7
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The diner operates around the clock — offering burgers, shakes, wings, plant‑based options, and possible special treats like a “Tesla burger” served in a Cybertruck-inspired box Teslarati+9Tesevo+9Business Insider+9.
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App‑based ordering through the Tesla app brings tech convenience to the dining experience Tesevo+7Captain Electro+7Wikipedia+7.
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James Eater notes celebrity chef Eric Greenspan helms the kitchen, boosting its culinary credibility Top AI Tools List – OpenTools+2Wikipedia+2Vanity Fair+2.
📣 Social Buzz & Soft Opening
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Elon Musk called it “one of the coolest spots in LA” after a preview visit, delighting Los Angeles localsMotaAuto.com+6Fox Business+6Entrepreneur+6.
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Photographic coverage from AFP, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, and more confirms the facility has entered soft-opening mode as of mid-July Global Investors News.
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Despite an official grand opening date still pending, Tesla appears confident the venue will launch publicly later this summer Entrepreneurilovetesla.comBusiness Insider.
🔮 What This Means for the Future
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Seen as a prototype for future “charge‑and‑dine” outlets, the diner could redefine EV infrastructure by combining utility, entertainment, and dining experiences Carscoops+2Wikipedia+2The Times of India+2.
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Tesla’s solar canopy plans may further align with its clean‑energy mission, although final sustainable tech integrations are pending ilovetesla.comTeslarati.
The Tesla Diner & Drive‑In represents a notable pivot in Tesla’s ecosystem — from cars to lifestyle hubs. It merges Supercharging with nostalgia-infused dining and entertainment, designed to function 24/7. With chef-led cuisine, cinematic experiences, futuristic aesthetics, and app integrations, it aims to become a blueprint for the next phase of EV owner services.
Curious about the menu, public opening, or expansion plans? Let’s keep an eye on Tesla’s next announcement!
