Technology

Grubhub, Wonder, Dexa launch 1st drone food delivery program in New Jersey

Photo: Dexa

March 12, 2026

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Grubhub, Wonder and Dexa will launch a drone delivery test program, beginning March 18, bringing delivery innovation to customers in New Jersey for the first time, according to a press release.

The three-month test program marks the first instance of drone food delivery in the Northeast. The collaboration involves Dexa's DE-2020, a domestically assembled aircraft, to transport meals directly to homes. Dexa is one of few U.S. companies operating with FAA Part 135 Air Carrier certification and approval to operate beyond visual line of sight in dense metro areas, according to the release.

Participants in the program will see no additional delivery fees and faster delivery times compared to traditional methods.

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

Flippo noted New Jersey provides a unique environment for the technology.

"Having grown up and lived in the New York area for many years, this launch feels especially personal for me," Flippo said in the release. "Dense, highly active regions like New Jersey highlight both the challenges and the opportunity for last-mile logistics. It's where autonomous delivery can truly change the game by reducing congestion and creating a faster, more seamless customer experience."

The program is designed to help partners move toward real-world operations and optimize workflows for airborne logistics at scale.

"This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation and to delivering experiences customers truly love," Joe Houghton, chief operating officer of Dexa, said in the release. "Drone delivery gives us the opportunity to reimagine what great delivery feels like — not just faster, but better — where meals arrive at your home with the freshness and quality you'd expect straight from the kitchen."

As Dexa expands its partnership program, the company aims to help various enterprise operators transition toward autonomous fulfillment.

"We've reached a point where drone delivery is no longer just about testing what's possible — it's about building what comes next," Flippo said in the release. "With the regulatory foundation in place, growing operational momentum, and strong collaboration partners, we're ready to help organizations begin operating and scaling autonomous delivery. Any enterprise looking to shape the future of fulfillment should be part of this next phase."