In a surprising twist, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently learned that a former coworker from his early tech days has carved out a remarkable career in the restaurant industry. Kimbal Musk, Elon’s younger brother and former collaborator at Zip2, has become a celebrated restaurateur, owning The Kitchen Restaurant Group with locations in Colorado, Chicago, and Austin. The revelation has sparked curiosity among fans and industry watchers, highlighting an unexpected divergence in the Musk brothers’ paths.
Kimbal, who co-founded Zip2 with Elon in 1995—a software company sold for $307 million in 1999—chose a different trajectory after the sale. While Elon pursued groundbreaking ventures in electric vehicles and space exploration, Kimbal enrolled at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. In 2004, he opened The Kitchen, a community-focused bistro in Boulder, Colorado, alongside chef Hugo Matheson and artist Jen Lewin. The restaurant group has since expanded, earning praise for its farm-to-table ethos and commitment to sustainable dining.
Elon, known for his relentless focus on technology, reportedly expressed admiration for Kimbal’s success during a recent interview. “I told him it was crazy to get into the food business,” Elon said with a laugh, recalling their early days. “But he’s built something incredible.” The Tesla mogul, who is himself venturing into the hospitality industry with a retro-futuristic Tesla diner in Los Angeles, acknowledged the challenges of the restaurant world, noting Kimbal’s ability to blend culinary innovation with social impact.
The Kitchen Restaurant Group, which includes the fast-casual Next Door American Eatery, emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and community engagement. Kimbal’s nonprofit, Big Green, has built hundreds of Learning Gardens in schools nationwide, educating children about nutrition. His urban farming venture, Square Roots, grows organic produce in hydroponic shipping containers, further showcasing his dedication to sustainable food systems.
Fans of the Musk brothers have taken to social media to celebrate Kimbal’s achievements, with many expressing surprise at his culinary pivot. “From coding to cooking, that’s a wild career change!” one X user posted. Others noted the irony of Elon’s upcoming Tesla diner, which will feature burgers and milkshakes under chef Eric Greenspan, potentially putting the brothers in friendly competition.
Kimbal’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020, his restaurant group faced criticism when employees were denied access to a “Family Fund” during COVID-19 closures, sparking backlash. Despite this, Kimbal has continued to expand his culinary empire, with a new Austin location opening in 2024, designed by architect Michael Hsu.
As Elon prepares to enter the restaurant scene, Kimbal’s established success serves as a testament to the power of following one’s passion. The Musk brothers, once side-by-side in Silicon Valley, now shine in their respective fields, proving that innovation knows no boundaries—whether in tech or the kitchen.
