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Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Times
Welcome to the Tesla diner. Would you like a hat with that?
Long ago in Los Angeles, the booming city was dotted with weird and wonderful buildings designed to be irresistible to hungry motorists. It was the burgeoning age of the automobile in southern California, and eclectic structures shaped like hot dogs and doughnuts used neon signs to beckon hungry drivers in for a quick meal. Now a new era of spectacular drive-in diners has arrived — or at least one of them has. Elon Musk unveiled the new Tesla Diner in Hollywood last week, promising that if the 'retro-futuristic' restaurant was successful he would establish them in cities around the world. 'An island of good food, good vibes and entertainment,' is how the world's richest man described his latest venture. The diner opened on Monday, marking Tesla's first foray into the restaurant business. • Elon Musk warns of 'rough' times for Tesla after worst quarter in a decade Customers lined up around the block on Santa Monica Boulevard to sample what the diner has to offer. The crowds were still there when I visited on Thursday afternoon, enduring an almost two-hour wait in the sun, and entertained by The Jetsons playing on a big screen. A worker said the 24-hour diner had been packed until 2am. Inside, the diner delivers on Musk's futuristic promise. A circular entrance resembles a spaceship corridor, and a sweeping counter allows diners to sit with a view of the kitchen staff busy making food. The ambient lighting has an Art Deco design. Food is ordered on touch screens and comes in mini Tesla-shaped boxes, resembling the vehicles that the company is traditionally associated with selling. A hot dog costs $13, fries $4 and a few rashers of 'epic' bacon $12. The Tesla hamburger costs $13.50. If a high-end drive-in can succeed anywhere, it is surely here. Not everyone was a fan, however. A driver speeding past repeatedly yelled, 'f*** Tesla'. The culture that produced Los Angeles drive-in diners goes back a century, according to Kim Cooper, a preservationist who runs the Esotouric tour guide company with her husband, Richard Schave. In the 1920s, the growing city was filled with empty lots. Programmatic architecture, or buildings that look like things, became popular. Business owners realised that if their restaurant was shaped like a burger or a tamale (a traditional snack popular in Mexico and Central America), it had a better chance of attracting passing trade, Cooper said. Being home to Hollywood helped. 'It came out of the motion picture industry. Studio carpenters knew how to make these wacky, prop-type buildings that would last a little while,' Cooper said. 'They weren't meant to be permanent.' By the 1940s, Los Angeles was a 24-hour city, busy building material for the war. Factory workers coming off shift at all hours needed places to go for food or to see a movie. By the time the 1960s had arrived, drive-ins were places to hang out. 'People drove from place to place to show off their cars. There was a lot of peacocking,' Cooper said, adding that the Beach Boys were born of this cruising culture. As well as the music of Brian Wilson, Los Angeles can thank Hollywood for exporting the seductive image of the diner around the world. Films including Grease and Pulp Fiction have prominently featured drive-ins and diners. Eventually, the quirky buildings thrown up by Hollywood craftsmen as a side job began to show their age. As the 1980s rolled around, they became run down and some were demolished, the land they occupied now eyed up by property developers. The drive-through replaced the drive-in because it was quicker and more convenient, both key advantages in a faster-paced world. Some treasures survive, however. Norms, a 24-hour coffee shop on La Cienega Boulevard, opened in 1957 and remains a classic example of Googie architecture — a style influenced by the atomic age: The Bob's Big Boy restaurant in Burbank, meanwhile, was built in 1949. The towering red neon sign is a local landmark: 'The ones that have survived are very precious because they are high-concept architecture,' Cooper said. 'They're really cathedrals — they're pop cathedrals.' Adam Chandler, the author of Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America's Fast-Food Kingdom, said drive-ins were popular across the country, but especially in Los Angeles. 'They had a magic in California, in part because the weather is so conducive to drive-ins year-round,' he said. Route 66 ends in Los Angeles, Chandler notes, and California was the ultimate prize for America's sweep westwards. 'The idea of mobility is really wrapped up in this image of California,' he added. This nostalgia could mean success for Tesla's diner. 'It points to a time when things seemed a lot simpler,' Chandler said. 'You'd socialise by being out in the world, driving, it was a statement of independence. In lots of ways, people are thirsty for the analogue world where you drive out and see people and engage with people. 'It's much different now in the digital space. People connect and don't necessarily have the same kinds of relationships that they did in chance encounters when you'd go to popular spots and run into people.' That is why 'the emergence of more third places is a good thing,' Chandler said, referring to spaces that are not the home or workplace. If the Tesla Diner's early success does not lead to a fresh wave of similar restaurants, the allure of the LA drive-in will still endure, he thinks. 'You can put the top down because our weather is fantastic,' Cooper said. 'You can go from place to place at night, listen to music and yell at the car next to you and have an adventure that you can't have anywhere else. 'And you feel like an Angeleno. I think everybody wants that.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New movies to watch this weekend: See 'The Fantastic Four' in theaters, rent 'Materialists,' stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' on Netflix and more
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" shows that "Superman" was the start of a new trend. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Brett Arnold, film critic and longtime Yahoo editor, and I'm back with another edition of Trust Me, I Watch Everything. This week, there are a handful of movies coming to streaming services you're likely already paying for, including Wes Anderson's latest, an indie gem about baseball and a fun self-aware horror flick. The biggest new release is The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest attempt at making the Marvel characters pop onscreen with a buzzy new A-list cast, including Pedro Pascal. If you're looking for more Pascal, make it a double feature: His rom-dram Materialists is available to rent. Read on for more, because there's something here for everyone! What to watch in theaters Movies newly available to rent or buy Movies newly available on streaming services you may already have 🎥What to watch in theaters My recommendation: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Why you should watch it: The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves that James Gunn's Superman wasn't a one-off and instead was the start of an emerging trend of superhero movies. Both are comic book flicks that are meant to be introduction films, as well as reboots featuring iconic characters we've already seen onscreen before. They both purposefully avoid harping much on a character's origin story. The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts it very quickly up top, whereas Superman throws you right into the action. Both rely on the audience knowing who these people are and what they do without getting bogged down by lore. That being said, each movie is meant to emulate the experience of reading a comic book, picking up an issue and getting caught up in that one arc without having to worry about its place in the larger universe. The best thing about The Fantastic Four: First Steps is that it doesn't adhere to the Marvel house style and has a unique look that's decidedly its own: a retro-futuristic take on the 1960s that feels as indebted to The Jetsons as it does the comic books its based on. Superman opened with Clark Kent having already been Superman for three years, and First Steps similarly opens with our heroes celebrating four years as America's superhero protectors. The public knows who they are and appreciates their efforts to keep them safe. But Marvel's First Family is soon forced to balance their roles as heroes and the strength of their family bond while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is pregnant with the child of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), and the movie explores how Reed tries to 'babyproof the world,' as a character in the film puts it, and protect their kid from real and specific dangers — in this case, Galactus. The film is at its best when its leaning into either the silliness or the scale of the sci-fi comic book world these characters inhabit, like when we get a glimpse of villain Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser, a highlight) and his underground world of Subterranea, or when the plot turns to the idea of teleporting entire planets in order to save lives. The foreboding Galactus, who is the size of a skyscraper and more menacing than any villain I can think of in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is an undeniable selling point. Maybe it's just my love for science fiction showing, but a bad guy that's just the Death Star incarnate, destroying planets as if they were nothing, is scary, strong stuff. If I have a major complaint, it's that the Fantastic Four's powers are never really utilized in a way that feels specific to each character. It's all just generic superhero zipping around and shooting forceful beams out of their hands. The wildly specific skillsets all feel incidental here, rather than expertly written and woven into the narrative or the action. The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bacharach is terrific as the voice of the Thing, but the character feels like he has little to do here, and the entirely CGI creation of his being pales in comparison to the onscreen depiction 20 years ago, when Michael Chiklis was transformed into the character with extensive makeup. Joseph Quinn is fun as Johnny Storm, but he too just flies around while on fire. The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be the third attempt at bringing these classic comic book characters (the fourth, actually, if you count the hastily-made-to-keep-the-rights unreleased 1994 version) but it's undeniably the most successful of that very cursed bunch. The speed-run character development is a barrier at first, but by the end, I was worn down and accepted that this is what comic book movies are now, nearly 20 years after Iron Man changed everything for the genre. On paper, I love the idea of skipping the origin story, but after Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I just think more work needs to be done setting up these worlds if I'm expected to buy in. For those unfamiliar with the characters, who have never seen a Fantastic Four movie or read one of their comic books, I do wonder if the experience is meaningfully different. What other critics are saying: Most agree that Marvel finally got it right this time. William Bibbiani at The Wrap says it's first-rate, writing, "whatever its drawbacks, feels like a real Fantastic Four movie, and that's no small achievement." The Associated Press's Jake Coyle agrees that the villains steal the show and calls it "a very solid comic book movie." How to watch: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters nationwide July 25. Get tickets 🤔 But that's not all! This ridiculously bonkers horror movie starring Pete Davidson and directed by The Purge mastermind James DeMonaco was shot in early 2022 and is only now sneaking into theaters. Davidson plays a troubled man who starts working at a retirement home and realizes its residents and caretakers harbor sinister secrets. It's unpredictable in a fun way, even if it feels like you're watching a different movie in the final 10 minutes. Get tickets. : A derivative found-footage horror vehicle for Kris Collins, aka KallMeKris, a Canadian TikToker who has a massive following on the social media platform. It's ripping off The Blair Witch Project for most of the runtime, until it gets to the third act and imitates a different popular horror movie. It doesn't amount to much, sadly. Get tickets. 💸Movies newly available to rent or buy My recommendation: Why you should watch it: You can get a double helping of Pedro Pascal this weekend, if you're into that sort of thing, as the controversial Materialists is now watchable from your couch. As I wrote when it debuted in theaters, it disappoints in comparison to Past Lives, writer-director Celine Song's debut film, and the script ultimately lets down the actors, even if the performances are all very good. What other critics are saying: There are strong opinions on both sides here. Stephanie Zacharek at Time writes that it's "more bittersweet than sweet, which is what makes it so wonderful, in a wistful, elusive way." The Daily Beast's Nick Schager dubs it a disappointing letdown, calling it "the cinematic equivalent of a sugary soda gone terribly flat." How to watch: Materialists is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms. Rent or buy 'Materialists' ➕ Bonus recommendation Why you should watch it: The always-great Danielle Deadwyler stars in this postapocalyptic thriller about a Black family of Canadian farmers descended from American Civil War migrants defending their homestead against cannibals trying to seize their resources. Its specific approach to the apocalypse, that it's about food scarcity and the importance of farms in that future, makes it stand out from plenty of similar fare, as does the terrific and dynamic gunplay that unexpectedly takes up the latter half. The focus on family is also very effective. Much better than you'd expect from this sort of low-budget affair. What other critics are saying: Most agree it's worth your time! Rolling Stone's David Fear writes, "She's not better than the movie. Deadwyler just makes the movie better by every choice she's making as an actor." Amy Nicholson at the Los Angeles Times agrees, writing that "there's not one false beat in Deadwyler's performance." How to watch: 40 Acres is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms. Rent or buy '40 Acres' 🤔 But that's not all! : This is a horror movie about a serial killer whose method of killing is feeding his victims to sharks. I wish I didn't have to tell you that because the opening scene is such a shocking introduction, but the trailer gives it away immediately. It's still absolutely worth watching, if that sounds like your kind of thing. Rent or buy. Disney's live-action remake became the first and only movie to gross $1 billion this year, and now you can help it make more money by paying to rent it! As per usual with these things, it's not as nice to look at as the animated original, but it gets the job done. Rent or buy. 📺Movies newly available on streaming services you may have My recommendation: Why you should watch it: My colleague Kelsey Weekman was lucky enough to catch it early, and her review is below! What I at first thought was a depressingly obvious cash grab involving one of Adam Sandler's most beloved characters turned out to be a shockingly sweet (and still very funny) follow-up about the lengths even the biggest weirdos will go to for family. Nearly 30 years after the original came out, I wasn't sure how many more times they could turn hitting a golf ball so hard it makes rocket launcher noises into an effective gag, but thanks to some new characters who kept it true to the Sandler ethos (loud, ridiculous, playfully violent), it felt like a truly fresh franchise installment rather than a ham-handed appeal to nostalgia. But trust me, there are still plenty of nods to the original. Bad Bunny, aka Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, steals the show. What other critics are saying: There aren't any other reviews as of publication time. You'll have to trust Kelsey on this one! How to watch: Happy Gilmore 2 is now streaming on Netflix. Stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' ➕ Bonus recommendation: Why you should watch it: Sometimes, all you need is a cheap but satisfying B-movie about a creature on an island killing people in increasingly gory ways. Bonus points if the creature just so happens to be a guy in a suit. This World War II-set throwback is as inspired by the films of Jack Arnold (specifically Creature From the Black Lagoon) as it is Predator, and it delivers on the promise. The story about two guys from opposite sides of the war forced to band together against a greater threat works quite well! What other critics are saying: There aren't many reviews for this one yet, so you'll have to take my word for it. If you're into low-budget stuff buoyed by great practical FX work and better-than-average performances, check it out. How to watch: Monster Island is now streaming on Shudder. Stream 'Monster Island' 🤔 But that's not all! The latest film from Wes Anderson is a decidedly silly one. Imagine the usual Andersonian look and feel, now with cartoonish violence, and a terrific performance from Benicio Del Toro at its center. I wrote more about it here. Now streaming on Peacock. This quietly profound indie about a baseball team playing their last-ever game functions as a metaphor about life and the eventual bitter end of the things we love. How can you not be romantic about baseball?! I wrote more here. Now streaming on Mubi. This horror flick based on a popular video game leans more Cabin in the Woods send-up than earnest horror, and fans of the genre will enjoy the way it plays with conventions. Now streaming on Netflix. Steve Coogan is sensational in this cute movie inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976 and how his life is transformed when he befriends a penguin. Streaming on Netflix July 26. This A24 movie starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd is a high-concept fantastical comedy that eventually turns into goofy horror. I found it insufferable, but, hey, it's on HBO Max now, so you're not paying for streaming on HBO Max. That's all for this week — we'll see you next Friday at the movies!
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't just bring back Marvel's original comic book family — it brings back the fun
For a studio once capable of turning obscure comic-book characters into global billion-dollar phenomena, Marvel has spent the post-Endgame years behaving like a magician who's forgotten how to pull a rabbit out of a hat — and keeps blaming the audience. After a string of bloated sequels, forgettable series, and increasingly tangled timelines, the studio has finally delivered something that feels like… well, a movie. Fantastic Four: First Steps may not reinvent the genre, but it does something arguably more impressive — it makes the superhero film fun again. A still from Fantastic Four: First Steps Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), this much-needed reboot brings Marvel's First Family back to life with a kitschy, retro-futurist twist set in an alternate 1960s New York — a world where the Cold War rages, the Baxter Building glows, and superhero uniforms look suspiciously like blue pajamas. The film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as her fire-happy brother Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the lovably grumpy Ben Grimm. And unlike past iterations, this one skips the tedious origin story and assumes the audience has at least a Wikipedia-level familiarity with the quartet. A wise choice. The Fantastic Four are already famous when we meet them — beloved by the public, doing variety shows, and fighting off quirky comic-book baddies like Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser) and the Super-Apes (sadly just name-dropped). They live together in the stylish Baxter Building, where domestic bliss looks like a cross between The Jetsons and a Mad Men-era sitcom. Sue has just discovered she's pregnant — a miracle in any timeline, but especially one where everyone's DNA has been fried by cosmic rays. Reed, ever the scientist, is unsure what powers their child might inherit. Ben, cursed with a rock-like exterior and sensitive soul, longs for a connection with local schoolteacher Rachel (Natasha Lyonne). Meanwhile, Johnny has a spark — pun intended — with the Silver Surfer (a gender-flipped Shalla-Bal, played with chrome-plated intensity by Julia Garner), who arrives bearing a warning: Galactus, the planet-devouring god-thing, is en route. Yes, the world is ending again. But for once, the apocalypse has style. The good The biggest triumph here is tone. Mark's direction leans into the weird, the whimsical, and the genuinely warm — a welcome break from Marvel's recent obsession with existential dread and time travel. The 1960s setting is gorgeously realised, full of neon signs, futuristic kitchen gadgets, and a robot butler named Herbie who doubles as childcare. Pedro Pascal plays Reed with a bemused detachment that works — less tortured genius, more science dad with a stretch problem. Vanessa's Sue is quietly formidable, grounding the film with emotional heft (and looking suspiciously well-rested for a woman about to give birth in space). Joseph nails Johnny's reckless charm, and Ebon's Ben is the soul of the film — a CGI creation with real pathos and a deadpan delivery that hits just right. Michael Giacchino's score gives the film a nostalgic buoyancy, and the production design leans heavily — and successfully — into comic book absurdity. Also: any film where The Thing earnestly reads Dr Spock's Baby and Child Care deserves points for originality alone. The bad Yes, there's a big third-act battle. Yes, another city folds in on itself. No, Marvel still hasn't figured out how to end a movie without throwing buildings at the sky. The gender-swapped Silver Surfer will raise eyebrows among comic-book purists, and her shiny design — somewhere between Terminator 2 and an avant-garde shampoo ad — is more distracting than intimidating. Also, while the film mostly stands on its own, Marvel can't resist teasing future conflicts and characters, and the film occasionally feels like it's winking at sequels we haven't asked for yet. The verdict Fantastic Four: First Steps isn't just Marvel's best reboot in years — it's a reminder that superhero movies can be silly, heartfelt, and self-contained. It's not perfect, and it's not trying to be. But after years of convoluted cinematic calculus, watching a group of mismatched heroes argue in a pastel kitchen while the world teeters on the brink feels oddly refreshing. The film lives up to its subtitle: this is a genuine first step forward. And for Marvel, that's a giant leap back toward what made it great.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Fantastic Four' X reviews out: Iconic superhero reboot film opens to mixed reactions
Marvel Studios ' latest cinematic venture, The Fantastic Four: First Steps , premiered in theatres on Friday, marking a new beginning for one of its most iconic superhero teams. Anticipation had built steadily for months, with fans eager to see how the franchise would be reimagined within the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe ( MCU ). As audiences finally experienced the film, reactions began flooding social media, with impressions ranging from enthusiastic praise to pointed criticism. A Divided Audience: Visual Grandeur and Emotional Core Praised A portion of the viewership has emerged impressed by the film's presentation, storytelling approach, and performances. Many fans highlighted the rich, stylistically distinct visuals and the emotional intimacy woven into the narrative. Viewers particularly noted the effectiveness of the onscreen relationships, calling attention to the strong ensemble cast and their portrayal of a tight-knit, believable superhero family. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Others Technology Data Science CXO Project Management Digital Marketing Leadership healthcare Public Policy Healthcare Data Analytics Artificial Intelligence Operations Management PGDM Finance Degree Management Data Science MBA Cybersecurity Product Management Design Thinking others MCA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details — emanuelgodina (@emanuelgodina) Among the major highlights mentioned were the visual effects , which leaned heavily into a retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by 1960s sci-fi. Fans appreciated the deliberate shift away from overcomplicated storylines, instead embracing a clearer, emotionally driven plotline. The chemistry between the leads—Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn—was a particular favorite, with many pointing out how the family dynamics grounded the cosmic elements of the film. — theprimetimeman (@theprimetimeman) — DevskiTweets (@DevskiTweets) Additionally, the film's score by Michael Giacchino was applauded for its sweeping scope and cinematic flair, although not all viewers were equally moved by the music. Set design evoked comparisons to classic animated shows like The Jetsons, with a playful and ambitious execution of future-meets-past world-building. Viewers also appreciated that the protagonists often relied on intellect and innovation, rather than brute strength, to overcome their challenges—a fresh take within a universe known for its action-heavy sequences. Concerns Over Pacing, Casting, and Familiar Pitfalls Despite these strengths, the film has not escaped criticism. A significant number of fans and critics expressed disappointment in areas they felt fell short of expectations. One of the most frequent critiques was about pacing—several felt the film dragged in sections or failed to maintain a steady rhythm throughout its runtime. — SJTimes13 (@SJTimes13) — VexElectronica (@VexElectronica) Another common concern centered on characterization and casting choices. While some applauded the performers' efforts, others described the character portrayals as lacking depth or chemistry. A few critics found the performances underwhelming, suggesting that the cast felt misaligned with their iconic roles. There were also mixed feelings about the film's visual effects. While space scenes and cosmic vistas drew admiration, certain moments were noted to appear visually inconsistent, with some CGI elements described as underdeveloped or subpar. While Giacchino's musical compositions resonated with many, others found the score didn't live up to their expectations and felt it fell flat in key emotional scenes. Another significant area of concern was the film's climax and narrative resolution. Several viewers described the conclusion as uninspired or too familiar, following a template seen too often in other MCU films. The villainous threat, though ominous, was perceived by some as insufficiently developed, reducing its impact on the story's tension and emotional stakes. Production Background and Film Overview The Fantastic Four: First Steps serves as the 37th entry in the sprawling MCU timeline and represents the second major reboot of the beloved Fantastic Four series. Helmed by director Matt Shakman, the film features a screenplay shaped by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. Marvel Studios produced the film, with distribution handled by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The cast brings together some notable talents—Pedro Pascal assumes the role of Reed Richards, while Vanessa Kirby steps in as Sue Storm. They are joined by Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Supporting roles include Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson, who portrays the looming cosmic antagonist Galactus. Set in a world steeped in retro-futurism inspired by the 1960s, the story centers on the Fantastic Four as they confront Galactus, a powerful being with the ability to consume entire planets. The team must combine their intellect and unity to protect their uniquely stylized world from annihilation.
Mint
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Cybertrucks, robots and grilled cheese: Elon Musk opens Tesla Diner to the public
After years of speculation and a soft launch over the weekend, Elon Musk's much-hyped Tesla Diner and Drive-In officially opened its doors to the public late Monday, reported NBC News. Notably, the eager fans who began queueing as early as sunrise. Located at the site of a former Shakey's Pizza on Santa Monica Boulevard, the retro-futuristic diner attracted a sizeable crowd of Tesla enthusiasts from across California, many of whom waited patiently for hours in the heat with no clear communication about the opening time, added the publication. Reportedly, the two-storey establishment combines a traditional American diner with Tesla-branded features, including charging stations, an Optimus humanoid robot serving popcorn, and a rooftop drive-in theatre playing vintage shows such as The Jetsons. Inside, customers were welcomed by servers on roller skates offering ice cream samples. The menu, reportedly designed by Los Angeles chef Eric Greenspan, features diner-style staples like grilled cheese, fried chicken and waffles, and tuna melts, alongside Tesla-themed items such as the "Tesla Burger" with "Electric Sauce". Prices range from $4 for sides to $15 for main dishes. Despite the lack of formal announcements regarding the opening time, fans remained in good spirits. Some shared donuts with fellow diners, others brought lawn chairs and struck up conversations about different Tesla models. Several arrived in Cybertrucks and other Tesla vehicles, hoping to utilise the new Supercharger stations, which remained inaccessible throughout the wait. One San Diego-based visitor, Tracy Kuss, said she arrived at 8 a.m. but was concerned about her battery running low after several hours of waiting, the report mentioned. 'I need to be the first to charge,' she joked. Another couple, YouTuber 'Everyday Chris' and his wife Janice, had been on-site since 5:30 a.m., hoping to see the robot and try out the space-themed bathrooms that had appeared in viral videos over the weekend. According to the report, the opening drew several prominent names from Tesla's social media circles, including influencers with large followings on X. A Cybertruck covered in Dogecoin-inspired graphics was also spotted near the entrance, drawing attention from passersby. While the event served as a showcase of brand loyalty among die-hard fans, Musk's continued visibility in politics and business has also stirred controversy. One local demonstrator carried a sign reading, 'Elon Musk save America from evil Trump and his puppets', referring to Musk's previous political alignment with the former US President, which has since soured. Musk's brief tenure in government through the Department of Government Efficiency drew backlash after budget cuts negatively affected Tesla's stock earlier this year. Musk has expressed plans to expand the diner concept. In a post on X, he said, 'If our retro-futuristic diner turns out well... Tesla will establish these in major cities around the world, as well as at Supercharger sites on long distance routes.'
