Tesla’s new venture into the dining business has faced some hurdles. The company’s planned drive-in restaurant, which would allow customers to eat while watching movies on an outdoor screen and charging their electric vehicles, has run into a roadblock. According to the New York Times (NYT), one major obstacle is the involvement of Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This has made Tesla a target for protests and even incidents of vandalism at its dealerships, leading to a decline in the company’s sales.
The Chef Shortage and Changing Opinions
The controversy surrounding Musk has affected the restaurant’s development, particularly in finding chefs willing to join the project. For instance, Caroline Styne and Suzanne Goin, owners of the Lucques Group in Los Angeles, decided not to operate the Tesla diner in 2023. While economic reasons initially played a role in their decision, Styne later changed her view on the company, even opting to swap her Tesla for an electric BMW.
Max Block, founder of the Los Angeles-based hospitality communications agency Carvingblock, told the NYT that any chef would need to consider Musk’s reputation before agreeing to work for the Tesla diner.
A Unique Dining Experience for EV Drivers
Despite these challenges, the concept of a diner where customers can watch movies while enjoying food brought by roller skate-wearing carhops, as Musk suggested, could appeal to a growing trend. According to Block, the idea fits into a culture where people dine for experiences, especially those looking for something unique while charging their electric vehicles.
EV Industry Faces Infrastructure Issues
In related electric vehicle news, PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster recently highlighted the challenges the EV industry is facing. One significant issue is “charge anxiety,” which concerns consumers about the limited battery life of EVs and the scarcity of charging stations. Critics have downplayed these worries, but the lack of infrastructure is still a genuine concern, according to Webster.
While American motorists are accustomed to fueling up at over 145,000 gas stations nationwide, the number of EV-friendly stations remains much smaller, with around 53,000 stations and only 130,000 charging ports. These stations are not evenly distributed, and finding them can be difficult, creating uncertainty and increasing anxiety among EV drivers.
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