Grubhub and Dexa Launch Drone Food Delivery Pilot in New Jersey
Grubhub and Dexa have announced a three-month test program introducing drone-powered food delivery for customers ordering from Wonder’s Green Brook, New Jersey location, marking the first commercial use of drone technology for food delivery in the state.
Grubhub has launched a three-month test program integrating Dexa’s drone delivery service for customers ordering from Wonder’s Green Brook, New Jersey, location. Beginning March 18, eligible customers within a 2.5-mile delivery radius can order from Wonder through the Grubhub app and select drone delivery at no additional cost, in addition to standard delivery and service fees. This initiative marks the first commercial use of drone technology for food delivery in New Jersey.
The program will test the integration of Dexa’s aerial technology within Grubhub’s marketplace platform, and it is the first time Grubhub and Wonder are offering drone delivery to customers. Wonder’s Green Brook location operates a multi-restaurant model, allowing diners to choose from 15 drone-delivery concepts, all prepared to order at a single site.
Dexa’s DE-2020, a fully automated delivery aircraft, will transport goods directly to customers’ homes. Dexa is one of four U.S. companies that both manufactures and operates Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Air Carrier–certified delivery drones. All operations meet FAA safety requirements. Before each flight, Dexa’s trained flight crews verify that items are packaged and secured in accordance with operational and food safety standards. During delivery, the drone places orders on the ground using a controlled tether system. Deliveries follow approved flight paths designed to prioritize safety and minimize noise and disruption to surrounding communities.
Delivery tracking, customer communication, and support are managed through the Grubhub platform, providing diners and staff with real-time GPS tracking, estimated arrival notifications, and order confirmations.
Ahead of the program’s launch, Grubhub and Dexa will host a community event with drone demonstrations at Wonder’s Green Brook location on March 16 at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET, with a rain date scheduled for March 17 at the same times. The event will give residents a preview of the technology before the program begins on March 18.
Following the three-month test, Grubhub will evaluate the results and consider expanding drone delivery to additional nearby restaurant partners.
Categories: Other