As drone delivery becomes more common in the United States, some of your favorite restaurants are joining the trend. Among the biggest names? This month, Wendy's announced a collaboration with delivery giant DoorDash and drone delivery company Wing, a sibling of Google.
Now residents of Christiansburg, Virginia can get their Wendy's Frosties via drone. But this isn't the only type of fast food option where drones are flying through the skies. On the healthier side, California-based restaurant Mendocino Farms announced a partnership with Zipline in 2023 to deliver gourmet sandwiches and salads to customers via drone.
Restaurant partnerships are also on the rise, especially as the number of drone delivery companies continues to grow.
Why Restaurants Love Drone Delivery
So why are restaurants like Wendy's and Mendocino turning to drone delivery companies? First of all, off-premise business for restaurants has been growing since the pandemic, and drones can bring that food off-premise.
Another reason is sustainability. Drones offer up to 94% lower energy consumption per package compared to other vehicles, providing a greener alternative for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Lastly, this is pure promotion. People might not post videos on social media of food being delivered by car, but they might be posting videos of food being delivered by drone.
Mendocino Farms' drone delivery service isn't expected to launch until 2025, but there's already no shortage of other restaurants that have partnered with drone delivery services like Zipline, Flytrex, Wing, and Droneup, with many still offering drone delivery today. .
Best Restaurants for Drone Delivery
These 10 popular restaurants have adopted this forward-thinking delivery method. From healthy salads to hearty cupcakes, there's something for everyone.
1. Sweet Green
Cities served: Various locations in California
Service Provider: zip line
For health-conscious customers, Sweetgreen's partnership with Zipline is a game changer. Soon you'll be able to get your favorite nutritious bowl delivered quickly from heaven. Sweetgreen partners with Zipline for sustainability. Sweetgreen has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2027.
2. Chick-fil-A
Cities served: Granbury, TX, various suburbs of NC, Brandon, FL, and more.
Service Provider: Flytrex & Droneup
If you're anything like me, you've probably spent a significant amount of time waiting in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-A. When you order a chicken sandwich and Chick-fil-A sauce, you can skip the line and have it delivered to your door by drone. Lucky for residents of Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, Chick-fil-A is partnering with not one, but two different drone delivery services.
3. Brew Coffee Co., Ltd.
Cities served: Christiansburg, Virginia
Service Provider: wing
I don't want to go anywhere before I have my morning coffee. So how about delivering coffee by drone? No human interaction is required. Brugh Coffee was one of the first coffee providers to send cups of coffee to customers via drone. Brugh Coffee is partnering with Wing, a drone delivery company owned by Google parent company Alphabet, to deliver its coffee.
4. Chili
Cities served: Granbury, TX and various suburbs in NC
Service Provider: Flytrex
Chili's extensive American menu is now available for drone delivery. Flytrex lets you enjoy Chili's classics from the comfort of your own home. The drone delivery company focuses on deliveries in rural areas of the United States. Flytrex has proven to be convenient for telecommuters. Just ask Mike Shanklin, who takes drone deliveries three to four times a week.
5. Sugar Magnolia
Cities served: Christiansburg, Virginia
Service Provider: wing
For those living in Christiansburg, Virginia, Wing's innovative delivery service makes it easy to purchase Sugar Magnolia's delicious baked goods and snacks via drone. Sugar Magnolia was part of the original partnership when Wing opened with FedEx and Walgreens in Christiansburg, Virginia. Sugar Magnolia is only 15 months into its partnership.
6. Pagliacci Pizza
Cities served: Various locations in Seattle
Service Provider: zip line
Bring a little fun to your Friday pizza night with Pagliacci Pizza, offering drone delivery via Zipline. Pagliacci Pizza says drones are more sustainable and help reduce driving times during peak hours. Zipline designed a special box that can fit two 13-inch pizzas, a salad, and two sodas.
7. Gran Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Cities served: Christiansburg, Virginia
Service Provider: wing
Gran Rodeo Mexican Restaurant's authentic Mexican cuisine is delivered by drone from Virginia, and burritos are one of the most popular orders. Gran Rodeo Mexican Restaurant was one of the first 'hot food' venues to partner with Wing due to its location. Located right next to Wing's headquarters, employees can walk to the hub where their food will be delivered.
8. Jersey Mike
Cities served: Granbury, TX and various suburbs in NC
Service Provider: Flytrex
Jersey Mike's Famous Submarine is a drone flight in North Carolina. Jersey Mike's Subs was one of Flytrex's national chain partnerships. Customers in our service area can now order from their front and back yards in just five minutes of flight time.
9. Gigi’s Cupcakes
Cities served: Christiansburg, Virginia
Service Provider: wing
Indulge your sweet tooth with Gigi's Cupcakes, available for drone delivery through Wing. Just like with UberEats, you can order from Gigi's Cupcakes and other restaurants through Wing's delivery app.
10. Wendy’s
Cities served: Christiansburg, Virginia
Service Provider: wing
Wendy's is the first restaurant to join DoorDash and Wing's U.S. partnership and is new to the list after joining forces with Wing in March 2024. Unfortunately, you can finally get frosty or juicy bacon delivered by drone. Learn more about Wendy’s drone delivery here.
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