Elon Musk's single word ignites Tesla diner hype in South Texas
A New Vision for South Texas: Elon Musk's Retro-Futuristic Diner and Drive-In
A new concept combining a diner and a drive-in movie theater is making headlines in South Texas, with the possibility of becoming a reality if tech billionaire Elon Musk has anything to say about it. The idea was first sparked when an X user asked Musk if he would be willing to build what he called a "retro-futuristic diner" at Starbase, the SpaceX launch facility and company town located on the Texas coast in the Rio Grande Valley.
Musk’s response was simple but significant: “Ok.” This single word has ignited excitement among locals and space enthusiasts alike, especially after Musk recently celebrated the opening of the first Tesla Diner in Hollywood, California. The event was accompanied by a 21-second video showing an aerial view of the diner, which Musk described as an “island of good food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging!”
The success of this initial location could lead to more Tesla Diners being established in major cities worldwide, as well as at Supercharger sites along long-distance routes. Musk shared his vision on X, where the post received over 132,000 likes and more than 12,000 replies. One of the most enthusiastic responses came from Evelyn Janeidy Arevalo, who wrote, “Pls make one in Starbase!! I've always wanted to go to a retro car movie theater!” Musk’s reply was just one word: “Ok.”
If the Starbase Tesla Diner and drive-in becomes a reality, it won’t be the first drive-in movie theater in the region. The Rio Grande Valley already has two existing drive-ins: the Wesmer Drive-In in Weslaco, where moviegoers can watch a film for $10 per vehicle, and the Valley’s Drive-In Theater in McAllen, where showings cost $20 per vehicle. Both venues screen double features daily.
About 10 hours after teasing the Starbase Tesla Diner, Musk quote-replied to another X user, @Muskonomy, a self-described “news brand” focused on X, Tesla, and SpaceX. Muskonomy posted, “A Tesla Diner is coming to Starbase!” Musk replied, “And open to the public!”
Despite the excitement, Starbase remains a unique place with limited amenities. The city, which officially incorporated on May 20 after about 200 permanent residents voted to make it official, currently lacks a police force, fire department, gas stations, and public restrooms. This lack of infrastructure has not gone unnoticed. An X user named John Kraus commented, “Will be great to have a public bathroom and easy place to get food that's not a 30+ minute drive from the launch site!” He also suggested that having more snacks and amenities would be ideal for those staying at the beach all day, calling it the “ultimate coastal spacesport convenience store.”
Musk has often invited the public to visit Starbase to witness the present and future of the United States’ space program. He has highlighted that SpaceX’s Starbase facilities offer some of the closest views of spacefaring infrastructure in the world. However, this openness contrasts sharply with the experience of SpaceX employees who live in Starbase.
During a recent Starbase City Commission meeting, Commissioner Jordan Buss mentioned a “potential altercation” involving some residents of Memes Street and a person described as being there for “malicious reasons.” At the same meeting, the commission—composed entirely of current or former SpaceX employees—unanimously voted to restrict access to several residential public roads using electronically controlled gates.
As the concept of the Tesla Diner and drive-in gains momentum, it raises questions about how such a development could impact the community and its future. With Musk’s support, the idea of a retro-futuristic dining and entertainment experience in Starbase may soon become a reality, bringing both innovation and convenience to the Texas coast.