Tesla has commenced construction on its ambitious project – a futuristic diner complete with a drive-in theater and Supercharger station. After several years of speculation and regulatory hurdles, it seems Elon Musk’s brainchild is taking shape.
Back in 2018, Elon Musk, the enigmatic CEO of Tesla, first announced his vision of creating an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant” at a new Tesla Supercharger location in Los Angeles. Many were left wondering whether it was just another whimsical idea from Musk, but as it turns out, he was dead serious.
Tesla’s initial attempt to realize this dream involved applying for building permits for a combined restaurant and Supercharger station in Santa Monica. However, local regulations threw a wrench in the works, causing the project to stall for an extended period.
Undeterred by the setbacks, Tesla decided to relocate the diner project to Hollywood while proceeding with the Supercharger installation at the original location. Last year, the automaker filed its construction plans with the city, offering a glimpse of what this unique establishment would entail.
According to the submitted plans, the diner will take the form of a semi-circular two-story structure, boasting an impressive 29 Supercharger stalls and two movie theater screens. After languishing for a year with minimal activity, Tesla has finally obtained the necessary building permit and broken ground at the site.
NEWS: Ottomate is reporting that the construction of the Tesla Dinner has started. Permit numbers match. Location is 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA. pic.twitter.com/HNkN4B6CGD
— S.E. Robinson, Jr. (@SERobinsonJr) September 28, 2023
Recent images, shared by food robotics and automation expert Ottomate (accessible via Substack), reveal that Tesla has razed the existing buildings, which previously housed a Shakey’s Pizza, and has begun laying the foundations for the innovative restaurant.
The big question that remains is whether Tesla intends for this venture to be a one-of-a-kind attraction or if it will serve as a blueprint for similar establishments at other Supercharger stations as the company continues to expand its amenities surrounding its charging infrastructure.
Adding an interesting twist to the story, Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk and a Tesla board member, is an accomplished restaurateur with his own chain of dining establishments. It raises the possibility that Tesla could leverage his expertise to establish a dedicated restaurant division within its extensive Supercharger network.
As construction progresses, Tesla’s diner and Supercharger station promise to blend nostalgia with the convenience of modern electric vehicle infrastructure, making it a development worth keeping a close eye on.
