Elon Musk’s Workaholic Past at Zip2 and Love for Jack in the Box’s Teriyaki Bowl
Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has long been known for his workaholic tendencies and relentless drive. These traits can be traced back to his early days at Zip2, the online business directory he co-founded with his brother Kimbal in 1995. A recent biography by Walter Isaacson delves into Musk’s time at Zip2 and reveals some interesting details about his work habits and favorite food.
During the early days of Zip2, Musk would often spend long hours at the office, going to extremes like sleeping there and showering at the nearby YMCA. According to Isaacson’s book, Musk would get angry at his staff if they didn’t work past 9 p.m., exemplifying his dedication and high expectations.
In terms of food, Musk and Kimbal had a go-to spot: Jack in the Box, a fast food chain known for its affordable and 24/7 service. Located just a block away from their office, it offered convenience and a quick meal option. Kimbal recounted to Isaacson that he could still recall every menu item from the restaurant, as it had left a lasting impression on him.
Musk’s favorite dish at Jack in the Box was the teriyaki bowl, as shared by Isaacson in his biography. This San Diego-based chain’s offering seemed to have captivated Musk’s taste buds during his time at Zip2. The biography also highlighted Musk’s nostalgic visit to the former office of Zip2, 27 years after its inception. When he couldn’t access the building, Musk made a trip to the nearby Jack in the Box instead.
While reminiscing about his past, Musk expressed a desire for his son, X, to experience the same meal at Jack in the Box in the future. He ordered the teriyaki bowl for himself and a hamburger for X, envisioning a time when X could bring his own children to the restaurant, creating a multi-generational connection.
Beyond Musk’s preference for Jack in the Box, his fondness for fast food aligns with other prominent figures. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are also self-proclaimed fans of fast food staples like Coca-Cola. Buffett notably revealed his daily intake of McDonald’s and five cans of Coke, claiming to have discovered his favorite foods by the age of six.
Elon Musk’s workaholic tendencies and love for Jack in the Box’s teriyaki bowl highlight the dedication and distinct characteristics that have shaped his remarkable career. From Zip2 to Tesla and SpaceX, his relentless pursuit of success and innovation continues to captivate the world.
