LA Reporter Mocks Tesla Diner on Live TV: 'Elon, Don't Come for Me'

A Diner with a Side of Controversy

Tesla’s latest venture, a 24/7 retro-futuristic diner in Hollywood, has been making waves since its grand opening. The establishment, which blends futuristic design with classic American diner vibes, has attracted long lines of eager customers, including Tesla owners and curious onlookers. However, the event also drew some unexpected attention from a local television reporter whose live broadcast quickly became a viral sensation.

KTLA reporter Ellina Abovian was covering the opening of the Tesla Diner when she made headlines for her unapologetically critical take on the venue. During the segment, Abovian admitted that she didn’t even try the food. Instead, she ordered a breakfast burrito from Uber Eats, explaining to the studio anchors, “I owe no loyalty to Elon Musk. I went inside with the full intention of ordering … but it didn’t look very appetizing.”

The anchors were taken aback by her decision, asking, “You’re outside a diner doing a whole story on it and didn’t even try the food?” Abovian stood by her choice, calling her review “honest” and “unbiased.” She even took a humorous jab at the Cybertruck-themed lunch boxes, knocking one to the ground during the broadcast. “I swear I’m not doing this on purpose. Elon, don’t come for me,” she said.

A Mix of Criticism and Praise

The segment, which was meant to highlight Tesla’s flashy new venue featuring LED megascreens and EV superchargers, turned into an informal roast. The in-studio anchors mocked the Cybertruck as a car that says, “I’m a mean guy,” and suggested its design was “too aggressive.” When showcasing the food, Abovian didn’t eat it herself but instead had videographer David Lopez review a half-eaten $15 Tesla burger.

“Really, really good,” Lopez said.

“But $15 tasty?” Abovian scoffed.

Despite her criticisms, Abovian praised the marketing effort and the diner’s aesthetic, calling it “Greece meets the Jetsons.” Still, she couldn’t resist another dig: “Have you seen the boxes? They need a robot to hand you the food because the current ones fall apart.”

The segment took another turn when a studio anchor asked the cameraman to pan over to neighboring apartments with blocked views, courtesy of Tesla’s massive outdoor screen. The moment sparked further commentary, with critics questioning how such a design could pass planning stages.

Public Reaction and Mixed Opinions

Online reactions to Abovian’s coverage were swift and divided. Some viewers accused KTLA of biased reporting, calling it unprofessional. One user wrote, “Shame on you, KTLA, for the biased and unprofessional coverage of the Tesla Diner, something many people are genuinely excited about.” Another person questioned whether the criticism was about the food or the man behind it.

Others found humor in the chaos, particularly when Abovian complained about the diner's cybertuck burger boxes falling apart. One post read, “Puts it teetering on her suitcase and then blames the box when it falls.”

Despite the controversy, Abovian acknowledged the diner’s popularity. “This place is open 24 hours. It’s poppin’ at 10 a.m.,” she said. “It’s cool. You’ve got burgers, tacos, milkshakes, a sky deck, even soap in the bathroom.”

A New Era for Tesla

Tesla’s first-ever diner, which opened Monday, features 250 seats, 80 Supercharger stalls, exclusive merchandise, and a massive LED display screening retro sci-fi films and SpaceX launches. Musk himself called it “one of the coolest spots in LA.” Whether it will be remembered for its food, its design, or the media frenzy surrounding it remains to be seen.