A Waymo driverless taxi got stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive thru in Santa Monica on April 7, 2025. (Chris Kellogg)
Share and Follow

A Waymo driverless taxi caused a backup at a bustling fast food drive-thru in Santa Monica Monday evening.

Videos shared with NesNation affiliate KTLA show the autonomous vehicle stalled out in the middle of the drive-thru entrance at Chick-fil-A, causing a larger-than-usual line for waiting customers.

It happened around 9:30 p.m. at a Chick-fil-A on Lincoln Blvd., according to Chris Kellogg, who was among those waiting for the self-driving vehicle to self-drive its way back onto the street.

His videos showed Chick-fil-A workers standing around the stalled vehicle, which had its hazard lights on before it backed up briefly and briskly and stopped again.

Kellogg said he waited in line for about a half-hour before being told the restaurant, which is drive-thru only, was closed.

A Waymo driverless taxi got stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive thru in Santa Monica on April 7, 2025. (Chris Kellogg)
A Waymo driverless taxi got stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive thru in Santa Monica on April 7, 2025. (Chris Kellogg)

Still a developing technology, Waymo driverless taxis have gotten turned around or confused on the roadway after first being deployed on city streets several years ago. But ending up at a fast food restaurant, let alone the drive-thru line, is an unusual detour.

It’s unclear if anyone was inside the vehicle at the time or if the taxi was directed to the Chick-fil-A as part of a fare or if it became sentient and required organic matter for fuel but Waymo did confirm to KTLA that the vehicle got stuck and its “team” recovered it from the site.

A spokesperson said that the company, which is a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, is “committed to continuously improving our service and making appropriate updates to prevent this from happening in the future.”

KTLA reached out to Chick-fil-A’s corporate office, and a spokesperson said the drive-thru was shut down for a short time to allow for the safe removal of the car. The restaurant’s walk-up window remained open throughout that closure, they said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Betty Reid Soskin, the nation's oldest park ranger, dies at 104

Trailblazing Legacy: Nation’s Oldest Park Ranger, Betty Reid Soskin, Passes Away at 104

Betty Reid Soskin, celebrated for her work as a park ranger with…
High-flying exec raped me in 'Mad Men' office horror show: lawsuit

Lawsuit Alleges Disturbing Assault by Top Executive in Corporate Office

An executive from a multi-million-dollar company is accused of sexually assaulting his…
Man gets maximum sentence in Lawrence County child sexual abuse case

Justice Served: Lawrence County Man Receives Maximum Sentence for Child Sexual Abuse Crime

In Lawrence County, Alabama, a man has been handed a 20-year state…
Forget Florida! Retirees ditching golf and sun for this unlikely city

Why Retirees Are Swapping Florida Sunshine for Culture-Rich Living in Unexpected City

Mention ‘retirement’ in the United States, and a common vision emerges for…
Kate beams as Jason Manford takes the reins of the Royal Variety Show

Kate Radiates as Jason Manford Leads the Royal Variety Show

Princess Kate was all smiles as Jason Manford took center stage at…
Power blackout leaves at least a third of San Francisco in darkness

Massive Power Outage Plunges One-Third of San Francisco into Darkness: What You Need to Know

A widespread blackout has plunged 130,000 homes and businesses into darkness throughout…
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heckled at Bondi vigil week after Hanukkah terrorist attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Faces Disruption at Bondi Vigil Following Recent Hanukkah Terror Incident

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a hostile reception upon his return to…
Manhunt underway in South Africa after gunmen open fire at tavern, killing 9 and wounding 10

Urgent Search Launched in South Africa After Tavern Shooting Leaves 9 Dead, 10 Injured

In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, nine individuals lost their lives…