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“It’s a cool spot, but they could’ve done a bit more to pretty it up some.”
— Local, Zoe Ketcham-Harvey
BASTROP — Tesla Motors CEO and SpaceX pioneer Elon Musk opened up his new convenience store to the public this month, with mixed reception.
The Boring Bodega is located on the compound of Musk’s underground venture, The Boring Company, at 865 FM 1209.
The industry’s initiative is to alleviate road congestion and solve citywide traffic issues across the nation by creating fast-to-dig and low-cost transportation options via tunnel systems. Underground passageways will incorporate Loop, an all-electric and zero-emission transportation system underneath city streets. The Las Vegas Convention Center holds the first commercially operating Loop system.
Boring Company’s Prufrock technology can tunnel at a rate of one mile per week.
Beside the tunneling complex and amidst the open fields, the Boring Bodega warehouse sports a few shelves of unique snack options, health-foods and light eats for company workers and locals.
“People compare us to Whole Foods more than a convenience store,” said one worker, who wished to remain anonymous because of the company’s strict “no press” policy.
The space can be rented out for private parties and includes a pickleball court and playground, with a bar to come within two months.
Public response has been mostly favorable, according to representatives, and residents have spoken out with mixed opinions.
“It’s inevitable and I can’t do anything about it personally, but I think it will be more beneficial than not,” said Julianna Murray, bartender at Bastrop Beer Company, who refused to open a second location on the compound when asked. “For how much money he has and his vision, they could have put a little more thought into bettering the area as a whole, though.”
While the shop includes a beautified photo area for Instagram snapshots, with pink flowers and a rosy “You’re like really boring” neon sign, the rest of the bodega is mostly open space with minimal decoration.
“It’s a cool spot, but they could’ve done a bit more to pretty it up some,” added visitor Zoe Ketcham-Harvey.
Other neighbors have much more severe opinions on the company as a whole.
“There’s a culture of secrecy and they’re actively trying to obscure the truth, not just from neighbors, but also county officials,” said Chap Ambrose, whose property is next to the complex.
Ambrose has a YouTube channel that goes into the issues he has had with The Boring Company in detail, sharing his difficulties with company communication and cooperation.
The Boring Bodega receives a fair amount of traffic because of its location, and with time it may become more of a staple for residents.
