July 31, 2025 – Tesla’s newly – launched Supercharger Diner in Los Angeles made quite a splash in the catering industry since its opening last week, not only because of its unique positioning and business model but also due to a well – kept secret.
In the United States, the traditional catering sector has a long – standing practice of not paying servers normal hourly wages. As servers mainly rely on tips from customers for their income, their base hourly pay is relatively low. This tipping culture has always been a subject of controversy in the country. Many non – Americans find it hard to comprehend why they should tip servers, believing that restaurants should pay their employees decent wages instead of depending on customers to ensure the staff’s basic livelihood.
Even within the United States, there are two sharply divided opinions on the tipping issue. One side supports tipping, arguing that since restaurants pay low wages, tips are necessary. The other side holds that employees should be compensated for their work without relying on tips. Regardless of which side people are on, there is a general consensus that employees deserve sufficient income to lead a comfortable life, and restaurants should shoulder this responsibility.
Tesla has stepped up to the plate for the employees at its Supercharger Diner. Some consumers have reported that the company covers the tip expenses. Customers don’t have the option to tip the servers or waitstaff; instead, Tesla takes care of it on their behalf.
This move by Tesla holds great significance. As more and more people are speaking out against the tipping system, hoping to push restaurants to increase employee wages, such efforts usually only affect the servers, while restaurants and their owners remain unscathed. By bearing the tip costs itself, Tesla has eliminated this risk and guaranteed that its employees receive a stable income.
