As Tesla’s spaceship-like diner and supercharging center takes shape in Los Angeles, the big question remains: Who’s going to develop the menu?
For years, Tesla founder and world’s richest man Elon Musk has been planning a supercharging center in Hollywood that will also be a diner and movie theater. With 34 Tesla charging points, the idea is to give those charging their cars something to do while they wait. Tesla had not revealed when the project is scheduled to open.
Musk on (then Twitter) described it as “Grease meets the Jetsons,” with superchargers. The vibe is like a 1950s-style diner with food delivered by roller skate-wearing carhops, though there will also be indoor dining and rooftop seating. The restaurant and charging stations would be open all night.
Gonna put an old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in LA
Elon musk pic.twitter.com/So6xRpVT2Q
What, exactly, will be on the menu—and who will develop that menu—has been cloaked in secrecy.
The New York Times last week posed the question to a number of prominent restaurateurs revealing a mix of responses but no revelations about the food-and-beverage side of the project.
Those who might have been tapped were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, so locals in the know declined comment to Restaurant Business.
It’s clear, however, that whoever is involved with the project will likely be jumping into a political minefield.
Already, one restaurant operator has faced backlash just for being quoted in the New York Times piece.
Walter Manzke, who with his wife Margarita operates the esteemed restaurant République in Los Angeles told Peter Wells at The New York Times that the project “sounds exciting,” and that Margarita had expressed interest in buying a Tesla, “so I can tell you what side she’s on.”
Haters of Tesla and Musk took to Reddit to express outrage, with one commenter leading a post with “Looks like Republique is off my list.”
In an Instagram post, République responded, posting a clarification saying that the comment about possibly buying a Tesla was “simply about exploring electric vehicle options, not a political statement. We value innovation and sustainability, and we respect all viewpoints. République does not take political stances; we are here to create a space for everyone, no matter their backgrounds or beliefs.”
Musk’s brother Kimbal Musk, of course, is a restaurateur, and also a Tesla board member. Kimbal founded The Kitchen American Bistro, based in Boulder, Colorado, with Hugo Matheson. The concept has four locations, according to its website.
Officials with The Kitchen did not respond to questions about potential involvement with the Tesla concept in Los Angeles.
Others saw the New York Time’s attention to the project as an opportunity for parody.
Eater, for example, offered an imaginary take on the menu, with CRISPR-y chicken sandwiches and Ketamine sliders and AI-oli (or mayo made by AI).
Across the country, protests have reportedly been staged at Tesla dealerships as Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, continues to slash federal government jobs in a purported effort to root out fraud and waste. Tesla sales have dropped and the company’s stock price has plummeted.
Meanwhile, Tesla has reportedly signed a deal to bring Tesla chargers to Steak ‘n Shake locations, a chain that recently announced a switch to using beef tallow for its fries, rather than seed oils. The move is in alignment with Trump’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who contends beef tallow is a more healthful choice for frying, though many health experts disagree.
Tesla officials did not respond to requests for more information.
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