Tesla Just Opened Its First Robot-Staffed Diner—And Elon Musk Wants to Take It Global

Elon Musk is no stranger to bold ideas, and one of his long-standing, offbeat visions has just come to life. Tesla has officially opened its first retro-futuristic diner in Los Angeles, California—and yes, it comes complete with robot staff.

Musk first teased the concept back in 2018, tweeting about his plan to build an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant” at a Tesla Supercharger site in LA. At the time, it sounded more like a playful idea than a serious project. But as with many things Musk touches, what begins as a tweet often becomes reality.

By 2021, Tesla had filed trademarks to officially enter the restaurant business. A year later, in 2023, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety gave the green light for Tesla to build its one-of-a-kind diner on West Santa Monica Boulevard.

Musk later described the concept as “Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging,” blending 1950s nostalgia with sci-fi flair. And judging by early reactions, that description seems spot on.

High-tech meets high-calorie

The Tesla Diner had a soft launch with first responders invited to try it out before the public opening. Inside, diners are greeted by Optimus robots—Tesla’s humanoid machines that are programmed to assist with orders and possibly more in the near future.

"Imagine coming to this place and this [an Optimus robot] is what greets you for your orders," one visitor wrote, sharing footage of the robot in action.

Another early guest called the food “amazing” and described the experience as a “must-dine,” praising both the quality and the unique atmosphere.

The space is decked out in neon, with design elements that echo mid-century Americana while incorporating Tesla’s sleek, modern aesthetic. As customers recharge their cars at adjacent Superchargers, they can enjoy a burger, shake, or fries in a space that feels both retro and futuristic.

Watch the video:

A $285K job listing and a bigger vision

In August 2024, Tesla posted a job listing for a “Diner Experience Specialist” with a salary of up to $285,000—a sign that the company is investing not just in novelty, but in a curated dining experience that matches the Tesla brand.

And Musk is thinking far beyond Los Angeles.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he shared his ambitions to expand the diner concept globally:

“If our retro-futuristic diner turns out well, which I think it will, @Tesla will establish these in major cities around the world, as well as at Supercharger sites on long distance routes,” he wrote.

“An island of good food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging!”

The plan isn’t just about food—it’s about creating a lifestyle ecosystem that blends technology, leisure, and sustainability. By offering dining, entertainment, and charging in one location, Tesla is redefining what it means to “stop for gas.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk shared his ambitions to expand the diner concept globally:

More than a novelty

The Tesla Diner is just one of several ways Musk is blurring the lines between tech, transport, and culture. As Tesla continues developing electric vehicles, robotics, and energy solutions, it’s also experimenting with new ways to shape everyday experiences—from how we drive to how we eat.

Whether it’s a fully autonomous Tesla or a robot-helmed diner, the future Musk envisions is one where technology seamlessly enhances daily life. And now, that future comes with fries on the side.