On July 21, 2025, Tesla officially opened its first Tesla Diner & Drive-In theater at 7001 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, blending retro 1950s diner vibes with cutting-edge EV technology
- The two-story, saucer-like building (designed by Stantec) exudes Jetsons-meets-Grease aesthetics with neon lights, chrome trims, black‑and‑white flooring, and red vinyl booths.
- Surrounding the diner are 75 to 80 Tesla V4 Supercharger stalls—offering up to 450 kW peak charging (~200 miles in 10 minutes) with a futuristic robotic arm that auto-aligns with the car’s port.
- The venue includes two massive LED movie screens (45–66 feet), featuring drive-in cinema experiences that sync audio via Tesla car stereo systems.
Popcorn by Robot: Optimus in Action
The standout attraction: Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, serves popcorn to delighted guests. On opening day, it scooped popcorn bags and even posed for photo ops
The Menu & Entertainment
- Crafted by Chef Eric Greenspan, the menu features American diner classics—burgers (with “Electric Sauce”), hot dogs, wings, fries, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, biscuits with gravy, tuna melts, and vibrant “Charged Sodas” topped with boba.
- Unique Cybertruck-themed packaging adds Tesla flair.
- Meals can be ordered via Tesla vehicle touchscreen screens, with payment handled automatically through Tesla accounts.
- Roller-skating staff deliver food, and there's even a rooftop deck offering views of the Hollywood sign.
Reception & Operational Challenges
- The restaurant is open 24/7 for Tesla owners, though non-Tesla visitors are currently served 6 a.m. to midnight. Ordering issues and menu simplification have already occurred—today, only five sandwiches, two sides, pies, shakes, and soft drinks remain, with plans to reintroduce popular items later.
- Locals have voiced concerns: traffic congestion, noise, and light pollution from the movie screens led some to call the experience “a living nightmare,” with a few residents even moving away.
Elon Musk sees this as a prototype for future charge‑and‑dine experiences. If successful, Tesla plans to expand the concept to major cities and Supercharger hubs globally.
Summary Table
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location & Opening | Hollywood, LA; opened July 21, 2025 |
| Supercharging | 75–80 V4 stalls delivering up to 450 kW |
| Design | Retro diner with modern tech (roller skates, neon, chrome, saucer shape) |
| Entertainment | Drive-in screens, synced in-car audio |
| Menu | Diner staples in Cybertruck packaging, geofenced app ordering |
| Robot Server | Optimus serves popcorn |
| Reception | Fan excitement + local concerns over traffic and service challenges |
| Expansion Plans | Potential chain tied to Supercharger locations |