CHICAGO and DAYTON, Ohio, – Grubhub today announced a groundbreaking three-month pilot program integrating Dexa’s drone delivery service at Wonder’s Green Brook, New Jersey location. This marks the first commercial use of drone technology for food delivery in the state, a milestone in automated logistics and innovative last-mile solutions.
Beginning March 18, eligible customers within a 2.5-mile delivery radius can order from Wonder through the Grubhub app and opt for drone delivery. This service will arrive faster than traditional methods, at no additional cost beyond standard delivery and service fees. The program aims to evaluate the operational integration of advanced aerial technology within Grubhub’s established marketplace platform, testing its reliability, safety, and efficiency.
Wonder’s innovative multi-restaurant model allows diners to select from 15 distinct culinary concepts, all prepared on-site at a single location. This approach combines variety, operational efficiency, and consistent quality, creating a seamless experience that complements the speed and precision offered by drone delivery. By leveraging this model, the program ensures that customers receive freshly prepared meals delivered quickly and safely.
The program will utilize Dexa’s DE-2020, a fully automated delivery drone designed to transport goods directly to consumers’ homes. Dexa is among only four U.S. companies that both manufacture and operate FAA Part 135 Air Carrier-certified delivery drones. All operations comply with Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements, ensuring flights meet rigorous standards for oversight, security, and operational excellence.
Before each flight, trained Dexa flight crews verify that all items are packaged correctly and secured according to food-safety and operational guidelines. During delivery, the drone lowers orders to the ground using a controlled tether system. The DE-2020 employs advanced autonomy and secure communications to guarantee reliable, precise, and safe deliveries, while following pre-approved flight paths designed to minimize risk and reduce noise and disruption in surrounding neighborhoods.
Delivery tracking and customer communication are fully integrated into the Grubhub platform. Diners receive real-time GPS updates, estimated arrival times, and order confirmations, providing a smooth, intuitive experience from order placement to delivery. Staff managing operations at Wonder also benefit from streamlined logistics and enhanced oversight, improving operational efficiency across the location.
“Our collaboration with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s delivery innovation,” said Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, SVP of Customer Delivery Operations at Wonder and Grubhub. “By combining Grubhub’s marketplace expertise, Wonder’s multi-concept platform, and Dexa’s advanced drone technology, we are introducing a faster and more efficient delivery method that maintains the highest standards of safety and reliability.”
Beth Flippo, CEO of Dexa, added: “Consumers want delivery that is fast, dependable, and innovative. This partnership demonstrates how autonomous technology can redefine last-mile logistics, enabling restaurants and retailers to serve customers in entirely new ways. Drone delivery is not just a concept; it is a practical, scalable solution ready to enhance everyday operations.”
Ahead of the pilot launch, Grubhub and Dexa will host a community event on March 16 with live drone demonstrations at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET, providing residents with a preview of the technology. A rain date is scheduled for March 17 at the same times. Following the three-month trial, both companies will evaluate results and explore the possibility of expanding drone delivery to additional nearby restaurants, bringing lessons learned from this innovative program to future initiatives.
This program builds on Grubhub’s legacy of pioneering automated delivery solutions, including previous partnerships in autonomous vehicle and robotics-driven logistics. It positions both Grubhub and Dexa at the forefront of innovation in the U.S. food delivery industry, demonstrating how technology can enhance speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction while maintaining safety and operational excellence.
About Grubhub
Grubhub is a leading U.S. online ordering and delivery marketplace, connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants, and convenience retailers. As part of Wonder, Grubhub features over 415,000 merchants across more than 4,000 U.S. cities, leveraging innovative technology to enhance convenience, quality, and service.
About Dexa
Dexa is transforming last-mile logistics with safe, scalable autonomous drone technology. The company combines advanced aircraft design, FAA-certified operations, and deep operational expertise to improve delivery speed, product quality, and the overall customer experience, making drone delivery an everyday reality.
