Now, a possible new chapter in the intertwined story is being written: Tesla is developing plans for an all-night diner attached to one of the stations where users charge their vehicles, filing plans this month with Los Angeles for a 9,300-square-foot facility.
Though the technology might be cutting edge, the idea behind it harks back to the golden age of the drive-in, which was as much a place to show off your finned, chrome-trimmed ride as it was to fill up on cheeseburgers and fries. Tesla founder Elon Musk sounded cognizant of the connection in his 2018 announcement of the plan in which he promised an old-school “roller skates & rock restaurant” at one of the company’s “supercharger” stations.
The newly filed plans feature a rooftop bar, a drive-in theater and a carhop area, though the vibe seems more futuristic than retro, according to electric vehicle news site Electrek, which first reported on them. The facility will be built on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, where a Shakey’s Pizza is located. The design includes 29 stalls for charging cars, allowing patrons to dine and watch short movies while they wait.
