Tesla Diner Reduces Menu and Hours Just Weeks After Its Grand Opening

Tesla Diner Faces Challenges Following Grand Opening

The highly anticipated Tesla Diner opened in Hollywood on July 21. However, it quickly became a focal point for complaints and issues, ranging from long wait times to unexpected complications including flying umbrellas and protests against CEO Elon Musk. Initial feedback suggests that the experience did not meet the expectations of many guests who attended the opening.

The diner's opening week was especially marked by demonstrations from a group called "Tesla Takedown," who protested against Musk's political actions with DOGE. This comes at a time, where Musk's approval rating continues to crash with a current 61% disapproval rating, according to a recent Gallup poll. Even among Republicans, Musk's approval dropped greatly after his spat with President Trump. From March to June of this year, Musk's approval among Republicans dropped 16% from 78 to 62 percent.

In addition to the protests, the 24/7 diner has caused significant traffic and parking problems for residents in the neighborhood. Some have described it as "insane gridlock from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m." A resident living across from the diner voiced her concerns, saying, "If you can send people to Mars, you should be able to figure out how to make this doable for residents." Another resident commented: "The gridlock is insane. I can imagine that if there's an emergency or something, an ambulance would literally not be able to get to us and that's extremely concerning for me because my parents are elderly."

Diner Already Scaling Back Menu Items

According to a report from Eater, the diner has already begun reducing its menu significantly and adjusted its operating hours. Initially marketed as a 24-hour establishment, it now offers late-night service only to Tesla and other electric vehicle owners from midnight to 6 a.m.

The revised menu presently features a limited selection, including just a burger, three sandwiches, a hot dog, fries, a cup of chili, a slice of pecan pie, and drinks. Notably absent from the new offering are several initially promoted items such as the “Epic Bacon,” market salad, veggie burger, club sandwich, and biscuits and gravy.

Celebrity chef Eric Greenspan, who oversees the diner, stated that the menu cuts were a response to what he described as “unprecedented demand.” While any new restaurant expects a surge of initial interest, the decision to scale back suggests challenges in managing that demand effectively.

Despite Musk’s optimism about expanding the diner concept into more major cities, the Hollywood Tesla Diner appears to be straining under its early pressures. This situation mirrors other ambitious projects and promises made by Musk, including earlier claims about autonomous taxis and Cybertruck production numbers. Observers are left to wonder how the diner will perform as the initial excitement diminishes and competition from established eateries provides a more affordable dining option.