Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner Under Fire: Protestors Target Latest Venture | CNN Business

Protests have been making waves outside Tesla showrooms, mainly fueled by discontent over Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. government spending. Over the weekend, demonstrators in Los Angeles turned their attention to Musk’s new 24-hour Tesla Diner, located in Hollywood. This diner, which Musk has called an “old school drive-in,” opened to enthusiastic lines of customers eager to enjoy burgers served in specially designed boxes. In fact, one fan posted a video documenting an impressive 11-hour wait just to get in.

However, Joel Lava, a key organizer behind the “Tesla Takedown” protests, believes that the excitement will fade, but the demonstrations will likely continue throughout the summer. He’s noted that the community’s support for Musk is dwindling, particularly given his stance on various social issues. “Customers are waiting to eat Tesla-brand burgers while the man behind it is widely criticized,” said Lava.

Lava’s protests have gained traction, drawing in around 75 supporters at the diner protest alone. They’ve been organized in reaction to the sudden opening of the diner. “Our main message is that Tesla funds fascism,” Ricardo claims. He points to Musk’s business decisions, which they argue have negatively impacted government services and people’s lives. Protests targeting Tesla showrooms have become a consistent fixture in many cities across the U.S., pushing back against Musk’s perceived influence.

Interestingly, despite the protests, Musk remains focused on Tesla’s future. During a recent earnings call, he shared ambitious plans for a robotaxi service and highlighted the new humanoid robot, Optimus, which recently debuted at the diner serving popcorn.

On the financial side, Tesla faces challenges. The company reported a 16% drop in auto revenue from April to June, with a 12% overall decrease. Sales for their popular Model Y and Model 3 vehicles fell 12% compared to last year. Shares of Tesla also saw significant declines, plummeting over 4% recently, and down 34% from their peak in December.

This juxtaposition of high customer interest at the diner and declining sales figures paints a complex picture for Tesla. While many are excited about Musk’s latest ventures, growing discontent and financial struggles loom large over the brand. As protests continue, they present a unique reflection of broader societal issues and the consumer response to corporate leadership in today’s climate.

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