Image: Ottomate News
Tesla has officially started construction on its first-ever restaurant, located in Los Angeles, following months of speculation and permitting hurdles.
The site, which previously housed a Shakey’s pizza restaurant for over 50 years, has been demolished to make way for Tesla’s new venture.
The restaurant is planned to be a two-story structure, featuring 32 charging stalls for Tesla vehicles. Additional amenities include two movie screens and a rooftop bar. The company is also considering implementing carhop-style waitstaff to deliver meals to customers who order ahead from their vehicles.
The location is strategically situated along Santa Monica Blvd, between Highland and La Brea, in the Hollywood Media District. This area is currently undergoing a transformation, with new apartments, retail spaces, and restaurants emerging. Tesla’s new site aims to fill a gap in its Supercharger network in the core of the city, which has been relatively underserved compared to the affluent Westside and downtown areas.
The project was initially slated for Santa Monica but was later moved to its current Hollywood location. Tesla founder Elon Musk had teased plans for a “retro-futuristic” diner as far back as 2018.
The construction site has already attracted attention from locals. One passerby, recognizing the previous Shakey’s location, inquired about the ongoing construction, highlighting the iconic status of the former pizzeria, reports OttOmate News, which also shared some photos of the site (via S.E. Robinson Jr.).
Tesla’s move into the restaurant business marks a new chapter for the company, expanding its footprint beyond electric vehicles and energy solutions. The restaurant is expected to not only serve Tesla owners waiting for their cars to charge but also attract a broader audience given its unique offerings and prime location.