Grubhub Introduces Drone-Powered Food Delivery Program

GREEN BROOK, N.J. — Grubhub is piloting a test program integrating Dexa's drone delivery service for customers ordering from a New Jersey food hall.

Eligible customers within a 2.5-mile delivery radius of Wonder in Green Brook, N.J., can order Wonder through the Grubhub app and opt for drone delivery, beginning March 18.

Wonder, a multi-restaurant model that allows diners to order multiple culinary options from a single location, acquired Grubhub in 2024.

Grubhub said the New Jersey program marks the first time drone technology will be used for commercial food delivery in the state. The company added that deliveries by drone should arrive faster than traditional delivery methods.

There is no additional cost for drone delivery beyond standard delivery and service fees, the company said.

The three-month program in New Jersey will test the integration of advanced aerial technology within Grubhub's existing marketplace platform, said the company.

"Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub's commitment to delivery innovation," said Abhishek "PJ" Poykayil, SVP of customer delivery operations at Wonder and Grubhub. "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."

The program features Dexa's DE-2020, a fully automated delivery aircraft designed to transport goods directly to customers' homes. Dexa is one of four U.S. companies that manufactures and operates Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Air Carrier–certified delivery drones, the company said, and its operations meet FAA safety requirements.

Before each flight, Dexa's flight crews verify that all items are packaged correctly 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, the company said.

Delivery tracking, customer communication and support will be managed through the Grubhub platform. Diners and staff can access real‑time GPS tracking, estimated arrival notifications and order confirmations.

"Consumers want delivery that's faster and more reliable — and this collaboration shows what's possible when industry innovators come together," said Beth Flippo, CEO of Dexa. "This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level."

Following the three-month test program, Grubhub said it will evaluate learnings and explore expanding drone delivery to additional nearby restaurant partners.

Ahead of the launch, Grubhub and Dexa will host a community event in Green Brook on March 16, with drone demonstrations at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET (with a rain date of March 17 at the same times).