New Jersey’s first drone-powered food delivery service program is being tested.
Grubhub will launch a three-month test program that will deliver food by drone, marking the first time drone technology will be used for commercial food delivery in the Garden State.
The program, launching March 18, will be based out of Wonder’s Green Brook location, a township jsut a few miles northeast of Middlesex.
Eligible customers within a 2.5-mile radius will be able to order through the Grubhub app and choose drone delivery at no additional cost beyond the standard delivery and service fees.
The company noted that drone delivery “should” arrive faster than traditional delivery methods.
With Wonder’s multi-restaurant model, customers will have access to 15 different types of food, all prepared at the single location.
The initiative is in partnership with drone delivery service company Dexa and will test how drone technology integrates with Grubhub’s current delivery platform.
“Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation,” Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, SVP of Customer Delivery Operations at Wonder and Grubhub, said in a statement.
“By connecting Grubhub’s marketplace expertise, Wonder’s innovative mealtime platform, and Dexa’s expansive drone technology, we’re proud to introduce a faster and more efficient way for New Jersey diners to experience food delivery without compromising safety or reliability.”
Before takeoff, trained flight crews will ensure that all items are packaged correctly and secured in compliance with operational and food‑safety standards.
During delivery, the drone will place orders on the ground using a controlled tethered system.
Customers will be able to access real-time delivery tracking, estimated arrival notifications and order confirmations directly through Grubhub.
Beth Flippo, Chief Executive Officer of Dexa, said that the service is a “glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level.”
“Consumers want delivery that’s faster and more reliable — and this collaboration shows what’s possible when industry innovators come together,” Flippo said.
The program uses Dexa’s DE-2020, a fully automated delivery aircraft designed to transport goods directly to customers’ homes.
Dexa is one of four U.S. company that manufacture and operate FAA-certified delivery drones, and the company’s operations meet all FAA safety requirements.
Deliveries follow approved flight paths that are designed to prioritize safety and minimize any noise and disruption to surrounding communities.
