The Tesla Diner in Hollywood has been operating for just a few short months, yet the restaurant is already preparing for major changes both in leadership and in format. What opened with considerable attention and curiosity is now moving into a new phase that will reshape its direction in the coming year.
One of the biggest shifts involves the departure of chef Eric Greenspan, who served as both chef and co operator of the futuristic themed diner located at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Curson Avenue. Greenspan confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that he is stepping away from the project in order to dedicate his full energy to the launch of a new restaurant called Mish. He described Mish as a Jewish deli he has dreamed of bringing to life for many years. In a message to the newspaper he explained that both Mish and the Tesla Diner require complete focus and that he intends to place his attention entirely on his upcoming deli.
Since opening earlier in the year the diner has faced several challenges beyond the usual growing pains of a new restaurant. The property has drawn criticism and protests from neighbors and from individuals who oppose Tesla chief executive Elon Musk. Greenspan did not respond when asked whether the negative public attention influenced his decision to leave the diner. His exit marks a significant development in the project considering the high profile nature of the location and the publicity it initially received.
Along with the leadership change the diner is preparing for a shift in its overall restaurant model. According to employees who spoke with the Los Angeles Times the diner is expected to change from its current format to a full service restaurant. The transition is anticipated to happen sometime in the new year and staff members suggested the change may arrive as early as January. A move toward full service would represent a substantial evolution of the dining concept and could signal a renewed effort to define its identity within Hollywood’s competitive restaurant scene.
Attempts to reach Tesla for comment were not successful. Reporters for the Times were unable to obtain a statement and Socal Newspaper also reached out but did not receive an immediate response. Updates will be provided if the company issues a comment regarding the changes.
For now the Tesla Diner appears to be at a turning point. With its chef and co operator preparing to launch a separate venture and a restructuring of its service model underway the future of the restaurant is taking shape in ways that differ from its original debut. The coming months will likely reveal how the diner adapts and how these changes will influence its place in Hollywood’s dining landscape.
